MATT COSTA

Unfamiliar Faces

2008-01-31

Matt Costa's "Unfamiliar Faces" runs the gamut of the usual singer/songwriter record. With backing band in tow, Mr. Costa does the usual straightforward "Acoustic Melody Pop" made popular by television shows like The O.C. and Grey's Anatomy. Sounding vocally like the male version of Erin McKeown, Matt glides over the "once again overlooked" talented backing band. I don't understand why there are so many records popping up named after the front man, while the more talented backing band is left to be identified only in the liner notes. With all twelve tracks sounding equally bland, it's hard to find a standout track here. If I were forced to choose, the opening track "Mr. Pitiful" would be my pick. With its herky-jerky piano beat, "Mr. Pitiful" provides just enough entertainment to keep the toes tapping. With another boring, yet well produced record added to the mountain of "popular" music, maybe "Mr. Pitiful" should not only be the opening track, but the title track as well.--Tim Warren

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 12/2006

    VARIOUS
    Grand Rapids Compilation

  • reviewed 11/2016

    SUSTO
    & I'm Fine Today

  • reviewed 01/2006

    THE GO-BETWEENS
    That Striped Sunlight Sound

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Big Head Todd and The Monsters
    All The Love You Need

  • reviewed 10/2009

    Lou Barlow
    Goodnight Unknown

  • reviewed 07/2014

    JOHN HIATT
    TERMS OF MY SURRENDER

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.