Lives Move Like Circles
Matthew Kilner
w/ Graeme Stephen, Kevin Henderson, Neil Birse, Elie Afif
Matthew Kilner’s second album draws together a quintet of tenor saxophone, two guitars, piano and bass—all five players in one room, without headphones, responding only to the space and to each other.
Pre-ordering now will grant immediate access to the hi-res digital download (PYR010DLA).
Where his debut, The Space In Between, channelled the energy of a working quartet in a traditional lineup, this is a different proposition entirely. The music evolves with deliberate calm. Melodies surface, hang in the room’s natural resonance, and are shaped as much by what isn’t played as by what is. Yet for all its patience, it bristles with life. This is an ensemble listening at close quarters, finding its way together in real time.
I’ve heard that lives move like circles. Although I agree, to an extent, I have my own theory. I believe that lives move in orbits. Like moons and planets, our lives revolve around a shared point. Lifelong friends move in unison through space and time. Acquaintances only complete one rotation before separating. Over time, friends may drift out of orbit gradually, or some event may change a person’s trajectory entirely. With that, I feel truly grateful that our lives converged in December 2025—Elie, Neil, Kevin and Graeme are some of my favourite musicians, and with hardly a word of direction, they brought the music to life in ways that even I could not have imagined.
The music is an honest testament and expression of thanks to all the wonderful people in my life. I feel deeply thankful to be surrounded by friends and family who fill me with warmth, safety and feelings of hygge. I am so grateful that we can move in orbit, hurtling through space together until the end of time.
—Matthew Kilner (2026)
Listen
- 3 tracks
- 19m08s
Credits & Notes
Matthew Kilner—saxophone
Graeme Stephen—guitar
Kevin Henderson—guitar
Neil Birse—piano
Elie Afif—bass
Music by Matthew Kilner
Recorded 15 January 2026 at Netherby Hall, Longtown, Cumbria
Producer, recording & mixing engineer: Douglas Whates
Mastering engineer: Christoph Stickel
Cover image: Mark Quinn
Design & typography: Douglas Whates
“I would like to thank Doug Whates for his recording, mixing and visual production of the album—as well as all the behind-the-scenes work he has done to get the music off the ground. I’d like to thank Mark Quinn for his photography and continued inspiration. I value our friendship and collaboration so dearly. Thanks to everyone at Netherby Hall for letting us record in your beautiful space and looking after us on the day. To Christoph Stickel for his mastering expertise, and to William Letford for his brilliant poetry that inspired the music. Thanks to Jenny for her humour and continued inspiration. I would like to finally thank Elie Afif, Neil Birse, Kevin Henderson and Graeme Stephen for their friendship, musicality and brilliance. I believe we are kindred spirits; I hope the listener can hear this connection within the music too.”—MK
In memory of Norman Kilner (1928–2025)
(P)2026 Matthew Kilner under exclusive licence to ELSWHR LTD / Pyrofon
(C)2026 ELSWHR LTD / Pyrofon
Video
Matthew Kilner—Hygge (official video).