Toronto resident Matthew Barber is starting to earn a bit of a name for
himself up here in Canada. His first indie release, Means & Ends was
able to garner enough attention for Warner music to sign him. His major
label debut, the EP The Story Of Your Life came out this past Tuesday
(February 17th). With 6 tracks that just about reach the 24 minute mark,
The Story Of Your Life is a good, affordable listen filled with
catchy riffs and totally fine hooks.
I was hestitant upon hearing the opening track ‘Little Love’ as it seemed to
sound a little too like another track by a rather well esthablished Canadian
musician, however, once Mr. Barber starts singing, my fears are dispelled
away. Sounding very much like Max Collins from Eve 6, Matthew very quickly
slides into his own ‘sound’ on the very next track, ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’, showing
fairly good range with his voice.
Lyrically, the album is fairly strong, although not overpowering. Nothing
that absolutely blew me away, although the compositions on the disc is where
Barber really shines, as the bounciness of the tracks (most notable with
‘Landline’) are where he really seperates himself from the rest of the
singer/songwriters that are currently out on the market right now. Not quite
as gloomy and depressing as Dave Matthews, nor as bland and boring as John
Mayer or Jack Johnson, Barber seems to have carved out his own niche that
works quite well for him and his band, the Union Dues.
This album would make for a fine addition for those of you who are fans of
guys like Dave Matthews, Sam Roberts, Matchbox 20, John Mayer, The Beatles,
and Jeff Buckley. Well written pop songs that have a little bit of jump in
their step, yet don’t sound like a clone of someone else out there.
As well, keep an eye out for a Barber appearance on the Hot Hot Head/Red
Light Sting split CD, as he contributed bass on it.
Tracklisting
Little Love
Tilt-a-Whirl
Landline
We’re Gonna Play
The Story Of Your Life
Sentimental Acumen
