Matt Pryor - Confidence Man (Review)
Album cover for Confidence Man
When I was tipped to check out Matt Pryor’s first solo record which is being released these days, and initially liked it, I started investigating this guy as I had never actually heard of him before. The result was a complete information overload, as this guy really is a busy bee. Known from bands such as The Get Up Kids (Wikipedia article) as well as The New Amsterdams (Wikipedia article), which essentially also a solo venture for Pryor, he has a substantial fan base who are most likely eagerly awaiting his first release under his own name.
But when Pryor decides to release something under his own name, the emphasis really is on solo. Every track on the album was written by him, and it was recorded and produced entirely in his personal home studio in Kansas, and the result is nothing short of impressive.
If you are familiar with The New Amsterdams, you’ll immediately recognize that even though the music is is released under a new name, it doesn’t differ much from what you’ve come to expect from Matt Pryor, and I believe most people will agree with me when I say that is nothing but a good thing. The minimalistic, acoustic approach is strictly followed on this new album, and you’ll have a hard time finding a sound which seems out of place on any of the albums 15 songs.
Matt Pryor performing with The New Amsterdams in Austin, Texas.
Pryor said himself said that ” (he) always wanted to do something quiet and acoustic, stripped down to its bare, emotive minimum “, and that’s exactly what he delievers with this album. On the first listen, the songs of the record flow nicely together and make for a pleasant 40 minutes, but it is when you sit down and actually listen to the songs and their lyrics that they really start to shine.
You’ll then be taken on a venture through some of the most common human experiences, and thoughts that have visited all of our heads, and they are beautifully shared and revealed by a man and his guitar. The second song on the record, Loralai, is a short and honest story about a break-up gone bad. Does that depress you? No worries, already in the next song Pryor tells us that even though the lamp’s been broken, Still, There’s a Light.
The highlight of the album for me however is the fifth song, I‘m Sorry Stephen. Here Pryor apologizes to a friend whom he apparantly has lost touch with because he was unable to support him in a specific situation, and he goes on to say that he and his kids wishes he was still around. It’s not gloriously romantic or grand in any way, just an honest, no-frills excuse, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
Confidence Man gets 5 out 6 Silent Sound Waves
There are other great moments on the album as well, such as the title track, I Wouldn’t Change a Thing and Lovers Who Have Lost Their Cause. All in all this a great acoustic album, and everyone who has a knack for the genre should definitely check it out. It is perfect for those late nights with a glass of wine with your special someone.
Although I don’t have the chance to do it myself any time soon, I would also recommend that you go see Matt Pryor live should you get the opportunity. I have heard nothing but great things about his live performance, so grab a girl or boy that you like and go have a great night! You can see his tour dates and listen to two of his songs at his MySpace profile.
You can purchase Confidence Man as a CD from Amazon.
