Matthew Payne – Better Times
This debut Matthew Payne showcase contains 10 stripped-down, bare bones pieces that make up Better Times (Drops April 17/Independent/30:54) recorded at EAR Studio in Austin, TX & produced by James Stevens (harmony vocals/percussion) & Matthew Payne (all songs written & performed).
With the first track “Better Times,” Matthew comes across as a viable singer-songwriter with the style of the late Tom Jans (“Loving Arms” & “Slippin’ Away”). His vocals straddle the spacious sounds of folk, along with some rustic country outings ala Gram Parsons. The first songs on this showcase are all energetic, well-written, & disciplined. “Heartsick” is more countrified & “Down in the Valley” has some quirky instrumental tendencies. Probably due to the mish-mash of folksiness & country endeavors. It all sounds good to me. “Adilena” has a bit of a Bruce Springsteen-balladry style with Bruce’s harmonica tonality inserted well into the body of the number. But the song itself still falls in the arena of Tom Jans – it’s far more tender than most Springsteen songs.
What Matthew Payne has percolating in his throat is a distinctive vocal style. His approach is similar to several artists, but his push is totally creative. I mentioned Tom Jans & Gram Parsons, but there’s a grain of Steve Earle that sneaks in (“Name”). Good stuff, because Payne knows how to apply the sameness quotient to his own personality & what comes out is his originality. His lyrics are not filled with cliches, & his melodies are not bombastic. Surprisingly, the multiple influences that haunt this album are suggestive – “My Father’s Son” is a cross between Randy Newman with John Prine singing it. This is a poignant tune played tenderly & pensively.
There are upbeat tunes (“Kid”) driven by a wailing harmonica. The guitar picking that often appears on many of Payne’s tunes is often textured with smooth tonality (“Silhouette of Branches”), which is about as close to a lost Dylan “Blood On the Tracks” song by an independent artist. Quite good.
At times, there are still some indications that Payne is a safe, independent artist who needs a more challenging forum. Randy Newman didn’t score as a solo artist until he did “Short People,” & later “Sail Away.” I’m not suggesting Matthew get controversial, but he needs to find a hard piece to sink his teeth into, so the audience notices he has a strong bite. As good as the harmonica work is, if it sounds too Springsteenish, find a different harmonica. Payne’s music shines either way.
Highlights – “Better Times,” “Heartsick,” “Down In the Valley,” “Adilena,” “My Father’s Son,” “Kid” & “Silhouette of Branche.”
Musicians – Marty Muse (pedal steel & Resonator guitars) & Kevin Smith (bass).
Color image courtesy of Matthew’s Facebook photo gallery. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.thisismatthewpayne.net/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Matthew Payne “Coyote Howlin Blues”