Alt. country feelgood Americana
If the name Matthew Ryan doesn’t ring a bell don’t be surprised, we’re in the world of American alternative country here. He’s been kicking around since his debut album in 1997. Eleven albums in, and we reach ‘Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State’, and this neat double A side. This could be the one to break him in the UK.
First track ‘Hold On Firefly’ is an anthem in the Bruce Springsteen/Tom Waits tradition. In fact, it is particularly reminiscent of Springsteen, even in the low, gravely voice. Although maybe that comparison isn’t so favourable, as it does highlight Ryan’s voice; it’s gritty and tuneful enough, but nowhere near the power of The Boss, which could be an issue when it comes to a true anthem. Simple and effective as a punch on the nose, ‘Hold On Firefly’ does exactly what it says on the tin • a punchy, anthemic slice of decent Americana songwriting.
‘Jane, I Still Feel The Same’ doesn’t disappoint either. Another bit of true acoustic Americana much in the style of Tom Petty (maybe it’s the way he pronounces “Gawn wrong”…). The songwriting is perfect, and Ryan’s voice is much more at home crooning brokenly over a broken heart. Not sure about the “Living on Jupiter/Couldn’t feel stupider” rhyme, though…