The artist formerly known as Reece Mastin has worked hard to make the transition from teen idol to serious adult musician for some time now. The release of Change Colours in 2015 was a key part of that evolution, but it seems to be complete with Suitcase of Stories, released under the new moniker Mastin.
Suitcase of Stories takes off like a shot with the rollicking “The One That Never Gets Away.” It’s got a classic country-blues feel and a dark sexiness about it that I love. There’s a similar brooding sexuality in “The Problem.” It’s a great blues ballad which explores the kind of messy love that makes for the best kind of songs.
“Tell Me All About It” may be the emotional heart of this EP. It’s dark and brooding, with searing lyrics and perhaps the greatest vocal performance of Mastin’s career. It packs such an emotional punch, I got chills.
The single “Not the Man For You” brings the mood back up. It’s a cheeky blues-rock anthem, the kind of track we couldn’t have imagined Mastin releasing in his pop idol days.
The title track is a real showstopper. On an album driven by big rock sounds, this stripped back ballad really stands out. Once again, Mastin wears his heart on his sleeve, with powerfully passionate vocals and honest lyrics.
Suitcase of Stories is an outstanding collection of songs that leaves no doubt that Mastin is an artist to be taken seriously. Forget everything you thought you knew about it him and listen with an open mind. I have no doubt you’ll be impressed.
Mastin kicks off his album tour this month. The Sydney date formerly announced is now cancelled with the closure of The Basement, but hopefully that can be rescheduled soon. Fans in other parts of the country can see him at the following venues.
13 April 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston
14 April 2018 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
20 April 2018 – Shoalhaven Bowls Club, Shoalhaven
21 April 2018 – Waves, Wollongong
29 April 2018 – Fowlers, Adelaide
3 May 2018 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore
4 May 2018 – Surfers Paradise Live, Gold Coast (FREE)
5 May 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane
6 May 2018 – Sold Bar, Maroochydore
10 May 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra
19 May 2018 – Winton Supercars, Winton
25 May 2018 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
27 May 2018 – Max Watts, Melbourne
15 June 2018 – The Grand Central Hotel Midland, Perth
16 June 2018 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
12 July 2018 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 July 2018 – The Workers Club, Geelong
14 July 2018 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)