MATT MITCHELL PROJECT — “Matt Mitchell Project”

MATT MITCHELL PROJECT — “Matt Mitchell Project”
By Rick Zeigler

Formed in December 2007, Indiana’s Matt Mitchell Project (MMP) has just released its first album. Simply put, if you like melodic rock with its roots in American power-pop (Raspberries, Big Star, Cheap Trick) as well as English “guitar bands” (Beatles, Oasis, et al), then you owe yourself a listen. Without a duff song over its 10 tracks, MMP prove themselves a band to watch with this self-titled debut. Each tune is built on straightforward drum beats (both live and programmed), sturdy bass lines, loads of strummed acoustics and tastefully picked electrics, light keyboard/synth shadings, and most crucially, superb and memorable melodies. Simple in concept, but very difficult to pull off with any consistency (especially when it comes to melodies), MMP has no problem drilling their catchy songs into your head over the course of its 40+ minutes. Opener “Back To Me” sets the template, with its stately (programmed) beat, layers of acoustics, and keyboard colorings backing up an Oasis-worthy melody. From this point on, the songs show their American (rather than English) roots, as “Glad You’re Gone” uses crunchy power chords, an organ-led middle eight, and a tasty, concise guitar solo to conjure up memories of the Raspberries and their cohorts. “Top Of The World” employs a gorgeous chorus to go along with its chiming electric guitar work. “Keep Your Head” sounds like a radio-ready rocker, while change-ups are thrown with “If You Leave Me” and “The End,” as they employ just Mitchell singing over his acoustic, with the former adding in some nice piano in the background, while the latter gains texture with the addition of a violin. “Life In Stereo” also throws a curve with its dancey beat and spoke-sung verse. The songs alternate between melancholy reflections and more hard-charging declarations, but whatever the approach, melody takes the day. And it should also be noted the production, courtesy of the local boys at Azmyth studios, is superb. With this debut, the Matt Mitchell Project has put itself forward as band to watch.

Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/06 at 10:57 PM