As All Get Out
Nine Mile, 2023
10/10
The frontman of the much adored outfit Delta Spirit, Matthew Logan Vasquez pens a very diverse and exciting 4th solo album, where settling into adulthood and soul searching make for a raw and energetic affair.
“Untouchable” begins the listen with Judson Johnson’s thumping drums and Vasquez’s melodic singing and warm guitar, where folk-rock ideas are present and appreciated, and “Over It” follows with driving and harmonic indie-rock that welcomes cozy keys to the heartfelt singing that just might be the best song of 2023.
In the middle, the more cautious “Long Line Of Lovers” showcases strings from the Parkington Sisters that helps illuminate the bright storytelling of the lush delivery, while “Shawna” showcases the versatile voice of Vasquez amid the dreamy song craft.
Close to the end, the funky and soulful “Holiday” will get you on the dance floor with its playful bass playing and animated landscape, and “I Found A Reason” exits with layered vocals and a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ spirit that embraces talking and some gospel leanings, too.
Now sober, married and with 2 sons, Vasquez does a great job of balancing the rawness of his rock’n’roll life with the calmer aspects of family, and it’s some of the best modern indie-rock that exists today.
Travels well with: Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap; T. Hardy Morris- The Digital Age Of Rome