INDIE MUSIC DIGEST - Independent Music Reviews

EP REVIEW: Matthew Genovese - Change

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"Matthew Genovese is an artist worthy of attention, spotlight & praise"

"star quality"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

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Artist: Matthew Genovese

EP: Change

Label: Independent Artist

Website: http://www.matthewgenovesesongstudies.com & www.matthewgenovese.com

Genre: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock,

Sounds Like: Sugar Ray, John Maher, Jack Johnson

Technical Grade: 10/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Stop Wait Turn Around, Wake up

Weakness: None (10 star ratings are for Full Length CD's only)

EP REVIEW:

Originally from Toronto, Canada, singer-songwriter Matthew Genovese spent 3 years in Boston studying music at the renowned Berklee College of Music. He has recently been living in Los Angeles finishing his new LP “East to West” due for release in early 2011. His latest EP entitled “Change” was released in 2009. Genovese, on lead & back-up vocals and electric & acoustic guitars, is accompanied by Randy Cooke on drums and Justin Gray on bass & keyboards

“Change” takes flight with “Key to My Kingdom”, an upbeat intro piece that serves up a steady rock groove against catchy vocal melodies & an impressive hooky chorus from Genovese. This first track is quite impressive as it ebbs and flows its way through to emotional fruition. Track 2, “The Girl I Knew Before”, keeps things moving with direct & thought provoking vocal delivery from Genovese, steady flowing rhythm, and smooth melodic guitar accents, making for an impressive follow up piece. Lyrics go - “You’re a perfect ballerina as you twirl and twirl and twirl, & even if you stop you can never stop the world” – nice lyrical touch there. Track 3, “Stop Wait Turn Around”, shifts gears a bit with its striking vocal intro, gradually building into an impressive ballad with a passionate vocal finale from Genovese. The CD makes a great first impression dashing out 3 solid songs in a row. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice the standard 4 piece delivery with other things like impressive solo guitar chops, nice sonic touches, & lush harmonies layered everywhere. As this CD slowly unfolds, it’s obvious the players in Genovese‘s band are rock solid. From the emotional “Wake Up” & thought provoking “Tonight” to the perfect finale piece “Don’t Change Yourself for Me”, this EP pretty much has something for just about everyone. “Change” delivers 6 solid tracks, all with messages that are uplifting, passionate & positive. The music of Matthew Genovese has everything you would expect from a top notch pop-rock production.

Now turning our attention over to Genovese. As for his vocal abilities, his voice works extremely well within the confines of this catalogue. His vocals fill the space smoothly & unobtrusively. He takes several vocal risks throughout the EP indicating a strong & confident vocal ability. I suspect some of his vocal influences are John Mayer, Jason Mraz, & Jack Johnson, & perhaps a splash of Sugar Ray. All songs are extremely well crafted & consistent across the board. He’s got the voice, the looks, is a gifted guitarist, & writes great songs! I am placing my bet that he will be even bigger than any of us realize at the moment.

I normally dedicate a potion of my reviews to point out any weaknesses As you can see I have nothing to report in this regard. For the record, I don’t give 10 start to EP’s. Having said that, this EP is one of the best productions I’ve heard this year!

From start to finish “Change” from Matthew Genovese is an impressive collection of music. The songwriting is world class. All songs present consistent musical experiences, yet each possesses a unique personality, flair, & signature groove. Note for note, song for song there isn’t a weak moment on this entire EP. The writing & playing abilities of Matthew Genovese are rock solid, the melodies & harmonies are well crafted, & the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with conventional wisdom & messages of hope. Last but not least, the vocal presence of Matthew Genovese is world-class. He is an infectious artist worthy of spotlight, attention, & praise. He is a musical triple threat who possesses a lot of star quality. Changes goes down smooth, & will not only make you want to dance, but will lift your spirits in the process.

t to dance, but will lift your spirits in the process.
Cyrus Rhodes

Read the Matthew Genovese Interview