Single – One Hand To The Gods
Release Date – 6th July 2026
Review by Linda McDermott
Manchester acoustic singer-songwriter Matt Fryers releases One Hand To The Gods, the first single from his forthcoming album That Was Then, and it makes an immediate impression.
From the opening moments, the song has a haunting quality that draws you in. A simple acoustic guitar provides the foundation, allowing Fryers’ voice to take centre stage. What stands out most is the control in his delivery. There is a warmth and richness to his tone that makes you want to stop what you’re doing and listen properly. Even as the song explores darker subject matter, there is something captivating about the way he tells the story, carrying the listener through every verse with ease.
The lyrics deal with personal struggles, self-reflection, and the fight to keep moving forward when life feels at its most challenging. Written as a series of letters to The Reaper, the song follows a journey through doubt, fear, and isolation before finding strength and determination on the other side. It’s a powerful theme, but one that never feels forced or overdramatic.
What I enjoyed most was Fryers’ storytelling. There is a real confidence in the way he builds a narrative and draws the listener into it. The emotion feels genuine throughout, allowing the song’s message to come across naturally rather than relying on grand gestures or dramatic production. Instead, it is the strength of the writing and performance that keeps your attention from start to finish.
One Hand To The Gods also serves as an introduction to the themes explored on Fryers’ upcoming album That Was Then, which he describes as a deeply personal collection of songs inspired by some of the more turbulent periods of his life. Drawing on elements of folk, indie and rock, the record is set to showcase his storytelling alongside his acoustic guitar work and distinctive vocal style.
Speaking about the single, Fryers says: “One Hand To The Gods is about battling your own demons but ultimately finding the strength to push back against them. It’s dark, it’s honest and it’s the perfect place to begin the story of That Was Then.”
As a first taste of the new album, One Hand To The Gods certainly leaves me interested to hear what comes next. The combination of thoughtful songwriting, strong storytelling and a vocal performance that commands your attention makes this an engaging introduction to Fryers’ latest chapter. If the rest of That Was Then follows the same path, listeners will have plenty to look forward to later this year.
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