Ambient music has often served as a refuge for artists seeking freedom beyond the constraints of their established identities. With If We’re Apart, I’m Somewhere Missing You, Matthew Followill joins that tradition, unveiling a remarkably adventurous body of work under his new solo alias, CMF.

Across twenty-six compositions, Followill reimagines his relationship with sound. While listeners familiar with Kings Of Leon may recognise traces of his signature guitar style, those elements are presented through an entirely new lens. Chords dissolve into clouds of reverb, melodies emerge gradually from textured washes and rhythm becomes secondary to mood.

The album’s strength lies in its refusal to remain static. One moment, listeners are immersed in the gentle drones of ‘AM.2‘ and ‘AM.3‘; the next, they encounter the shimmering movement of ‘Morningness‘ or the understated pulse of ‘Good Time Killer‘. Throughout the record, Followill demonstrates a willingness to follow ideas wherever they lead.

There is also a strong sense of narrative running through the project. Rather than presenting individual singles, If We’re Apart, I’m Somewhere Missing You unfolds as a continuous experience, encouraging listeners to engage with it as a complete work.

Followill describes the album as an exploration of organic instrumentation and ambient textures, created without expectations or commercial objectives. That philosophy is evident in every corner of the release. The music feels exploratory rather than calculated, prioritising atmosphere, emotion and discovery.

Tracks including ‘Soap Opera‘, ‘Our National Treasure‘ and ‘I Never Say It, But I Always Want To (You’re Still My Hero)‘ showcase some of the album’s most affecting moments, blending fragile melodic ideas with immersive production techniques. Elsewhere, warped delays, oscillating effects and grainy processing add depth and unpredictability.

What emerges is not merely a side project but a fully realised artistic statement. While Kings Of Leon remains Followill’s primary creative outlet, If We’re Apart, I’m Somewhere Missing You proves there are still entirely new territories left for him to explore.

For listeners willing to surrender to its pace, the album offers a rewarding journey into the quieter, more experimental corners of Matthew Followill‘s imagination.

Track list:

Dually Dreaming
Room Song
Improvision4
Our National Treasure
Morningness
Soap Opera
I Could Live Here
AM.3
I Never Say It, But I Always Want To (You’re Still My Hero)
Good Time Killer
Somnolence
Timeoff
Country Silver
Art Of Speed Talking
Boyboots
5600KLVN
Sega Genesis
Healer Cheeks
Peach Fuzz
Beat On Beauty
Studio 8
AM.2
Mary’s Lamb
Together
Waning Moon
Waxing Moon

Listen Now:

If We’re Apart, I’m Somewhere Missing You, releases June 19th 2026