MATTHEW RYAN VS. THE SILVER STATE

Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State

2008-05-05

Matthew Ryan gets rockier with a bunch of musical compatriots in this set of anthems, sounding like he's fronting a band rather than a solo act accompanied by background musicians. The result, some reviewers say, is a Tom Petty sound-alike. I find MRVSS much closer to Bono and U2 because of the decidedly more emotional delivery -- and, in some cases, larger themes. The opener, "Dulce Et Decorum Est" brings in a fiddle early on that sets that Irish-sounding tone and then the second number, "American Dirt," seals the deal -- Bono, not Petty. "It Could've Been Worse" and "Closing In" are also standouts. Ryan makes a smart move forming this group; he's like Springsteen finding his E Street Band. MJVD 05/08 R-Roots

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 06/2012

    THE BACON BROTHERS
    Philadelphia Road - The Best of The Bacon Brothers

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Thursday's Child
    I Know This Much Is True

  • reviewed 10/2003

    Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man
    Out of Season

  • reviewed 08/2014

    BEAR IN HEAVEN
    Time Is Over One Day Old

  • reviewed 03/2015

    Brooke Fraser
    Brutal Romantic

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Liam McKay and the Saints
    Confessions to a Lover

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.