Two
Edgewater, 2021
8/10
A veteran musician whose interest in making music goes back to age 7, though marriage, parenthood and the corporate world have comprised much of his life, Matthew Austin Hunt never gave up on songwriting, and this sophomore album has him quickly making up for lost time in the area of genuine, well thought out song craft.
“Things I Find” starts the listen with warm guitars as Hunt’s equally inviting vocals guide the timeless Americana formula, and “Going Home” follows with Isaias Gill’s proficient drumming alongside breezy melodies as the cautious rocker emits much beauty.
In the middle, “Questions” trims the pace back with a more country focused approach, while “These Chains” recruits spirited guitar in a poetic climate as Derek Hames contributes strategic organ. “Change”, the album highlight, then showcases Ellen Story’s moody fiddle amid Hunt’s expressive storytelling.
Near the end, “Fun On The Bayou” benefits from Story’s backing vocals in the textured, rural climate, and “Something Going On” exits the listen in ballad territory, where Hunt’s intricate acoustic guitar complements the dreamy and heart heavy finish.
In addition to the previously mentioned, Will Van Horn brings steel guitar and Roberto Rodriguez III handles accordion on the album, and together with Hunt’s strong attention to detail they create plenty of grooves and grace that resonates with much skill and memorableness on this agile second outing.
Travels well with: Deep Rivers- Nothing Ever Happens To Me; Cody Lee- Woodpecker Crisis