Matchbook Romance

A Matchbook Romance release on Valentines Day is so cheesy it almost works. The band’s second full-length album, Voices, hit the shelves on the lust-filled day. As the momentum surrounding the album builds, the band will be faced with many obstacles. Will they beat the dreaded Sophomore Curse? Will they prove to fans and critics alike that they have left their emo-sounds behind and are in fact headed in a new direction with their music? Cheesy release date or not, after listening to the album it is evident that Matchbook Romance may be able to shed any negative perspectives they have acquired thus far, and earn themselves a respectable place in the music scene.

This 11 track release has had the band in the studio for nearly two and a half years; time, critics will find, well spent. Not only has this band emerged with a new logo, but their entire sound has undergone a transformation. The messages are still the same but far behind them are the emo-pop ballads of “My Eyes Burn” and “The Greatest Fall,” both off their first album Stories and Alibis.

Singer Andrew Jordan delivers a more distinct voice on this album. After finding himself barely able to speak, he placed his voice in the hands of a vocal coach. Seeming to have worked out for the better in the end, Jordan’s new sound is what puts the final touches on this album.

The first single off the album is the fist-pumping hit “Monsters.” This darker song about greed and adultery gives fans a small glimpse of what this album is all about; something some may call an unexpected, mature, more developed sound. The band’s video is finding itself on a steady rotation at Much Music. If this is any indication of the response this highly anticipated album will receive, Matchbook Romance can kiss the Sophomore Curse goodbye.

Encased in its dark shell, this album delivers emotional messages to those who have lost in love. Instead of wrapped in bubble-gum pop, MR’s new approach is seemly much more effective; messages of despair wrapped in melodic songs ridden with guitar bursts (“Fiction”) and subtle violins (“Goody Like Two Shoes”).

As for what the future holds for this New York band, it is anyone’s guess. As they embark on an intense Take Action! Tour one thing’s for certain; Matchbook Romance can now call themselves’ musicians.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. You Can Run, But We’ll Find You
02. Surrender
03. My Mannequin Can Dance
04. Goody, Like Two Shoes
05. Monsters
06. Say It Like You Mean It
07. Portraitp
08. Singing Bridges (We’ll All Fall)
09. Fiction
10. What a Sight
11. I Wish You Were Here

Run Time: 61:49