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 11/2008

    ASHTON ALLEN
    Wellspring

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Robin Danar
    Altered States

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Paco
    This is Where We Live

  • reviewed 01/2011

    FUJIYA & MIYAGI
    Ventriloquizzing

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan
    Ballad Of The Broken Seas

  • reviewed 05/2008

    Elvis Costello & The Imposters
    Momofuku

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.