It’s been a tough one to call, but after much deliberation, the Gig Slutz track of the week goes to Mat Hook and his amazing new single. 

After a decade-long hiatus from the music scene, Sheffield singer-songwriter Mat Hook is making a powerful comeback with the release of his fourth solo single, ‘Suspended Belief’ this Friday. Known as the former frontman of the critically acclaimed indie-rock band Kartica, Mat is reigniting his passion for music and captivating audiences once again with his soulful sound and poignant storytelling.

Mat’s journey back to the stage is a remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and renewal. As the lead singer of Kartica from 2008 to 2014, Mat helped drive the band to prominence with sold-out shows, international press, and endorsements from high-profile figures like Gary Neville and Dave McCabe of The Zutons. Kartica’s music resonated with fans worldwide, with tracks featured on radio, in football stadiums, and TV shows. The band shared stages with acts like Bruce Foxton (The Jam), The Coral, and Catfish & The Bottlemen, solidifying their place in the UK’s vibrant indie rock scene.

Now, a decade after stepping away from the limelight, Mat is back with a new focus and fresh material that reflects his emotional and creative growth. His new single, ‘Suspended Belief,’ is a stirring anthem about letting go of the past and finding peace in the present. “I originally wrote the song years ago for Kartica,” says Mat. “It’s about not getting weighed down by the baggage of the past—letting go of the sentimentality that can hold us back.” With its timeless message, ‘Suspended Belief’ speaks to anyone who has struggled to move forward and embrace the future.

Despite being rooted in his days with Kartica, the song has taken on new significance for Mat personally, as he reconnects with his musical roots and rebuilds his career on his own terms. “It’s ironic that the song now resonates with my situation regarding the band,” he reflects. “But it’s a universal theme, and I think listeners will really connect with it.”

Mat’s re-emergence as a solo artist began with the release of his debut single ‘Runaway Road’ last year. The track, an emotional reflection on his tumultuous past, was met with widespread acclaim, earning airplay on national radio by BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq and Radio X’s John Kennedy. Mat’s evocative vocals have even drawn comparisons to Richard Ashcroft of The Verve, cementing his place as a voice to watch.

Mat’s story is one of triumph over adversity. After Kartica disbanded in 2014, Mat faced personal and professional challenges, including the loss of his father to cancer and a series of life-altering events. But through it all, Mat found solace in music and community. His involvement in creating a local football league, Kickabout Sheffield, has not only transformed his life but reignited his creative spark.

Today, Mat Hook stands tall as an artist reborn, reconnecting with audiences and capturing hearts with his searing music. His return to the stage has already seen him perform alongside The Coral, Feeder, and The Lightning Seeds, and his viral performances on TikTok have further fueled his resurgence.

Having entertained crowds throughout the Euros at Sheffield’s huge fan zone on Devonshire Green this summer, you can next catch Mat performing live at the eagerly anticipated Rock N Roll Circus event at Don Valley Bow at the end of the month – featuring the likes of Richard Hawley, Becky Hill and Milburn.

LISTEN TO ‘SUSPENDED BELIEF’ ON SPOTIFY RIGHT HERE