Artist: Matty T Wall: vocals and guitars; Ric Whittle: drums; Stephen Walker: bass; Gordon Cant: organ; Deli Rowe: backing vocals; Steve Searle: horns; and Jonas Petersen: strings
Album: ‘Sidewinder’
Maintaining an equally edgy and vulnerable presence is one of the most captivating ways to create a inspirational musical narrative. Australian-born singer-songwriter-guitarist, Matty T Wall, is powerfully proving that he can evoke a relatable and emotional journey on his electrifying new record, ‘Sidewinder.’
The 12-track album, which was released earlier this month by Hipsterdumpster Records, features a diverse mix of infectious blues-inspired rock vocals and instrumentation. The visceral and soulful songs will surely resonate with a wide range of listeners, as it powerfully blends contemporary notes with styles that defined the golden era of rock in the 1960s and ’70s. That stunning mix proves that the musician is destined to leave a lasting impression on the American music scene.
Wall’s latest album begins with the alluring entry, ‘Slideride,’ which is driven by a powerful rhythm, animated horn and wailing organ. Also aided by the singer-instrumentalist’s thrilling slide guitar, the song embraces the rebellious signature sound of Southern rock that defined the overall rock genre in the ’60s and ’70s. The introductory tune sets the stage for Wall and his band’s overall stunning instrumentation on the rest of the record.
‘Sidewinder’s sophomore entry is its distinctive title track, which features a resilient rock vibe. Introducing the musician’s fiery rock vocals to the album, he intensely croons about being the best person who can give the person he’s drawn to what she needs in life on the power ballad.
Following the record’s title track is the spirited song, ‘Something Beautiful,’ which features a lighter and more upbeat energy in Wall’s vocals. The lively Trombone Shorty cover is stunningly driven by a playful guitar line and innovative counter rhythms from the band. On the soulful tune, the singer encourages the person he’s with to show him something beautiful, as they celebrate the changes in their lives.
‘Something Beautiful’ then delves into one of ‘Sidewinder’s most notable entries, ‘Change Is Gonna Come.’ The song, which calls for racial parity, features a wistful vocal interpretation that pays homage to the timeless, and equally timely, social message. Driven by a blues edge and classic theme, Wall enthrallingly croons about how he knows change is coming.
Another significant track on ‘Sidewinder’ is ‘Can’t Stop Thinking,’ which features authentic and soulful vocals. The singer emotionally contemplates the loss of a loved one, who was paradoxically both the best and worst he ever had. Driven by Wall’s signature guitar strumming, the tune features a relatable message that contemplates the loss of a relationship that the musician once considered to be the best thing he ever had.
The album hits its half-way mark with the entry, ‘Shake It,’ which is a rowdy and feel-good tale of instant attraction. The song then delves into the Southern rock-driven track, ‘Going Down,’ which was written by Don Nix and originally released by the band Moloch on their eponymous album in 1969. But Wall effortlessly infused a new energy into the rock-n-roll tune with his unique blend of opaque strings and provocative guitar cords.
The next entry on ‘Sidewinder’ is another noteworthy song, ‘Ain’t That the Truth.’ Driven by a soulful vibe, the track highlights the musician’s resilient voice. The blues-inspired and relatable tune also intriguingly blends it with lively harmonies that contrast the angst within the lyrics, which observe the difficulties of life in a working class town.
Wall takes a lyrical break with ‘Sidewinder’s next entry, ‘Sophia’s Strut,’ which features Wall’s signature guitar cords. Despite it’s short runtime, as it clocks in at only a minute and 45 seconds, the compelling high-energy vibe of the guitar emphasizes the musician’s confidence in his approach to his instrumentation.
The next song on the record is ‘Walk Out the Door,’ which features a swinging rhythm, especially in its horn instrumentation. While the soul-bearing track features the traditional theme of a man done who’s been done wrong encouraging the guilty party to leave, it does offer hope in Wall’s declaration that he doesn’t want her back anymore.
‘Sidewinder’s penultimate tune, ‘Leave It All Behind,’ ultimately proves to be the best entry on Wall’s latest record. The simplicity of the singer’s vocals and guitar playing easily connect with listeners. On the acoustic song, Wall contemplates deeply personal and equally universal life issues. The message on the track, which would serve as the perfect score for a movie scene about painful life experiences, showcase how nothing the musician does can say to make his situation better.
The final tune on Wall’s latest record is ‘Mississippi Kkkrossroads,’ which grippingly features the sounds of police dogs and sirens that create harrowing scenarios. The singer’s revolutionary interpretation of Chris Thomas King’s track offers an emotional insight into racism and persecution along the dark rural roads of the Deep South. The tune is a powerful and insightful exploration into how life is in the American South.
Retaining an equally edgy and vulnerable presence is one of the most best ways to create a gripping musical narrative. Wall is powerfully proving that he can evoke a relatable and emotional journey on his electrifying new record. ‘Sidewinder’ features a diverse mix of infectious blues-inspired rock vocals and instrumentation. The visceral and soulful songs will surely resonate with a wide range of listeners, as they powerfully blend contemporary notes with styles that defined the golden era of rock in the 1960s and ’70s. As a result, the Australian-born singer-songwriter-guitarist is destined to leave a lasting impression on the American music scene.
For more information on Wall, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook, Twitter Spotify and Google Play pages.
