Matchstickmen 'A Change in Season' - EP Review by Ruth Ayris

Matchstick Men, a rock trio based in Liverpool released their latest EP - ‘A Change in Season’, on 30th July. Comprising of 6 shimmering songs, it’s a record that most music lovers will revel in.

The record opens with ‘Comes in 3’s’ which sets a rather heavy precedent for the rest of the EP. The guitars have quite a dense sound and combined with Lewis Wright’s gravely/treacley voice effusing through the song, it is quite the attention graber and leaves you hankering for more.

After an abrupt ending, the next track is ‘Distorted Lullaby’ which opens with an even heavier intro. This song takes a more old school rocky stance, with slightly more melodic vocals and a catchy rock chorus. The refined bass notes coming from Iain Forsyth and the howling guitar solo from Peter Donnelly ensure that this track is definitely one of the stand out tunes of the EP for me.

Following another sharp closing beat, is the third track, ‘Not Knowing’. With its mellow riff ‘Not Knowing’ takes the record into a definite softer route. Featuring dry, crisp vocals. I feel this track really showcases the band’s more tender side, whilst still keeping that edge we’ve come to recognise in Matchstick Men. After wailing guitar work, the track closes with beautiful and quiet refreshment.

‘Lead Balloon’ is next with an almost Oasis like opening, it carries on with the soft tone of the previous track. Exhibiting warm guitars and haunting backing vocals which gently caress the music, this track features the EPs title folded within its plaintive lyrics.

The penultimate song entitled ‘Make Mountains’ brings back a more twangy metallic sound, almost reminiscent of Dire Straits ‘Money for Nothing’. It’s a high energy, riff based track that won’t disappoint those looking for a driving rock’n’roll sound.

The final track is last, but by no stretch of the imagination least. Re-imagining Michael Jackson’s ‘Give in to Me’ the boys definitely do this rousing track justice right down to the Slash inspired solo. This is a fantastic ending to the EP, and leaves you wanting to hear more from Matchstick Men, a band that has something for everyone’s musical tastes.

If this has wet your appetite then you can catch the guys at the following shows:

Sat Aug 04 - The Krazyhouse, Liverpool
Sun Aug 19 - Rock The Lakes Festival

The Matchstickmen 'A Change in Season' is released through Mainline Records and available to download or buy through itunes and HMV amongst other physical and digital retailers.