Matt Townsend & The Wonder of the World – S/T [Folk-Rock]

Release date 23^rd June 2014

So, I’ve been out of action for a while, but I've been busy alright!? Enjoying myself and drinking and looking at stuff, it is summer after all.

So with that out of the way, let’s get reviewing!

Matt Townsend is a singer-songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina (though originally from Vermont), who along with his band The Wonder of the World produces lyrically focused, poppy, folk-rock with a bit of a country twist. Using their local success to crowdsource the album's production, Matt and his band released their self-titled debut on bandcamp in late June.

Straight into the first track Seventh Song, we’re treated to the classic Americana Folk combination of a sweetly strummed guitar backed by organs, glassy lap-pedal guitars, and harmonicas; all supporting Matt’s drawly southern twang. Straight away, I felt as if I’d been transported to some “locals only” bar in Nashville, where the barman serves whiskey and rye and listens to your troubles, while he cleans a glass tumbler with a dirty cloth.

It’s as American as apple pie, a delicious apple pie at that.

The country influence is fairly strong on The Wonder of the World but this is more Bob Dylan than it is Conway Twiddy, and Matt has the song writing chops and the voice to carry it off with style.

Skipping onto the third track, Hollow City (Free me to my Soul), and Matt’s lyrics really begin to shine; a haunting tale of a struggle-of-faith, the narrator walks through a city of “skyscrapers filled with sheep” as the bizarre monotony of modern life takes its toll on his beliefs. As the verse moves to the first chorus, Matt croons:

“Though I know the tides they come and go, but still I’m burning for some light now to show”

Here, Matt describes those feelings of doubt and depression perfectly; even though you are fully aware that the good times will come after the bad, it doesn’t make your current emotional state feel any less hopeless. Matt wonderfully sums up his feelings with the final chorus line:

“I’m staring at the ceiling begging, burning for a reason to believe”

Despite these moments of brilliant insight, Matt does fall into the trap of folk clichés a little too often; lyrics concerning angels, stars, the sky, souls and heaven aren't exactly anything new in folk music, and for every line that leaves me awestruck, there’s another line that leaves a cheesy taste in my mouth. I can’t see this putting many country and folk fans off this album, it is part of the charm after all, but those looking for ground breaking lyrical content may find this record a little too traditional for their tastes. However, those actively looking for a traditional sound will be thrilled at the extra level of vision Matt adds to the genre’s archetype.

I do have to point out a couple more flaws here, despite very professional performances the production just doesn’t quite hit the mark, and a couple of the songs are a little too long; the chorus of Takin’ a Moment for example becomes a bit redundant by the third time it comes around. Despite these few small issues, every song on here is well written and delivered with passion and sincerity. If you’re already a folk and country fan then this is absolutely for you, but if not, give this album a try, it might just change your mind.

If you fancy a slice of the pie, click here for Matt's bandcamp and name your price.

[7/10]