Bullies In The Backyard
Round Badge, 2022
9/10
Listen to Bullies In The Backyard
The sophomore album from the singer-songwriter and drummer Matt North, the aptly titled Bullies In The Backyard contains 10 tracks penned while North’s family won a lawsuit against their son’s public school due to special needs violations.
“The Last Angry Man” opens the listen with thumping drums, as Paul Thacker, Kirk Donovan and Diego Vasquez bring bright brass to the upbeat, rootsy climate, and “Hollywood Forever” follows with calm acoustic guitar as North’s soulful singing is complemented by the elegant piano.
“Holding It Together” arrives at the halfway point, and welcomes pop and rock ideas into a bit of twang amid North’s forthright wordplay, while “Firing Squad” is R&B flavored with playful rhythm that benefits from sax, trombone and trumpet. “Stay On The Outside”, one of the album’s best, then brings gritty guitar and smooth vocals to the warm melodies.
Near the end, the buzzing guitar and bouncy bass of “Burial Grounds” embraces some garage rock ideas, and “Plan B” exits the listen with emotive piano and spirited guitar populating the unique Americana finish that illustrates much timelessness.
North has a diverse resume that includes playing in bands all over the country, and his wide interest in music certainly lends itself to his eclectic vision that welcomes Stuart Mathis (guitars), Chris Donohue (bass) and Michael Webb (keyboards) plus several backing vocalists. Now residing in Nashville, North continues to prove he’s one of the most exciting songwriters that exists today in the area of Heartland rock.
Travels well with: Hushdrops- The Static; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been