Release date: February 12, 2013
Up until today I thought Matt Costa was Canadian. Maybe it's his small town feel, maybe it's because sometimes I make things up. Either way, he is not Canadian. He is from California. Glad I could clear that up for you.
I feel a little ridiculous thinking that Costa was Canadian now. Under the Brushfire Records umbrella Costas sound is so very Californian. Especially on his latest. When I heard that Belle and Sebastian were collaborating with Costa (I still don't know to what extent) I was expecting full on melancholy from the get go. That is not to say the album is melancholyless, though. On this more inventive album MC is seemingly trying to step outside his norm. To say this album is experimental would be an understatement. He sounds like - but constantly in his sweet, warm, Matt Costa-esque way- so many musicians in the "indie" pop/rock/folk field.
'Loving You' starts the album off. The 50's pop sounding track is the perfect drop to a ten song score. It's a gradual slow down, starting with 'Early November' to follow 'Loving You'. The Phoenix, and Vampire Weekend parallels are clear. Costa sets himself apart with more of a vintage sound than the aforementioned bands. The song exudes happiness. I picture twinkling lights and wholesome lovers holding hands eating popsicles. That's how sweet this is. Matt Costa does James Blunt better than James Blunt on 'Eyes For you'. No, this is not a James Blunt song. But a good chunk of it sounds like a far less annoying 'You're Beautiful', mixed with Regina Spektor instrumentals. The tempo is brought back up on 'Good Times', the Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros jam band sound. Though, less hippieish. 'Shotgun' sounds like authentic Matt Costa. This track is the quintessential song of this album. It so perfectly ties all the songs, experiments into one exciting hand clapping and keys filled superjam. All the songs after 'Shotgun' sound much more rootsy. 'Ophelia' is the ultimate folk song of the album. Vocals resembling an early Dylan strung together with harmonica and lovelorn lyrics. It is the perfect near final act.
This album did not seem to receive a lot of hype, which is surprising because it is arguably Matt Costas most mature, best piece of work. This will be difficult for him to follow up.
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