In 2016, Matt Joe Gow released Seven Years, the long-awaited follow-up to his debut solo work The Messenger. It was one of my favourite releases for the year, a fantastic slice of classic Americana that I’ve found myself listening to time and time again. That record was seven years in the making. Thankfully it’s taken just two for Matt to bring us another album, Break, Rattle, and Roll. Another blessing, it’s every bit as good as the collection of songs that came before it.
Break, Rattle, and Roll starts so strong, with “Bridge Over Concrete.” It’s the perfect opener for this album, such a feelgood slice of Americana, all jangly guitars and honky-tonk piano. The single “Ride On” continues the up-tempo alt-country vibe.
Matt Joe Gow is so good at making those feel-good road trip songs, but there’s so much more to the music he makes than that. Break, Rattle, and Roll gives us glimpses of his softer side in vulnerable tracks like “Details,” the stripped back “Old Hotel Room,” and the exquisite closing song, “We Got Lost.” These beautiful tracks provide the balance, stirring our heart while helping us enjoy those singalong moments a little more.
The press releases categorise Matt Joe Gow’s music as Americana, but he plays free and loose with the genre. There’s a great old school soul feel about “Ransom.” A reprise of an earlier single “House That Burnt Down” takes blues back to its gospel roots. I went back to the original 2010 release and was so impressed by how much more complex and intricate the new recording is. It feels like one of those great spontaneous jams.
I’ve been listening to Break, Rattle, and Roll for a couple of months now, falling a little more in love with it each time. It’s wonderful to get the jump on other music lovers and listen to something fabulous first, but I’ve also been anticipating its release, the moment I can insist my friends hear it too. It’s that sort of album, the kind of recording that makes you want to sit down with people and share how special it is.
Break, Rattle, and Roll is released on October 5. Matt Joe Gow will play the following shows here and in New Zealand celebrating its release.
4 October 2018 – Skylark Room, Belgrave
6 October 2018 – The Mane Event Festival, Geelong (Midday)
6 October 2018 – Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
7 October 2018 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
12 October 2018 – Basement Discs, Melbourne (FREE)
18 October 2018 – The Triffid, Brisbane (FREE)
20 October 2018 – Dog With Tails, Dunedin
21 October 2018 – Starfish Cafe, Dunedin (FREE)
25 October 2018 – Albert’s Post, Auckland
27 October 2018 – Clarence Town River Country Hoedown, Clarence Town
28 October 2018 – Songwriters In The Round, Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville (FREE)
4 November 2018 – Public House, Albury