It’s odd that this Liverpool band call themselves MATCHSTICKMEN because their straight-up rock ‘n roll doesn’t make them con men at all. As an indie band, they’re lacking the production cash needed to capitalize on the good set of tunes that their Change of Season EP delivers but it’s the latter compliment that counts most.
‘Comes In 3′s’ clearly states the bands influence as grunge. Here, the opener is muddier with severity whereas, with one other exception, the other songs seek a more mainstream audience. The other exception is ‘Not Knowing’, a 5 minute ballad that MATCHSTICKMEN don’t rush to climax. It reminds me of my youth when Pearl Jam and Mad Season were amongst my friends. It’s hard to choose between ‘Lead Balloon’ and ‘Make Mountains’ as the lead single. ‘Lead Balloon’ has the clearer sound, balanced with gorgeous guitar. ‘Make Mountains’ posseses an immediate hook with a lovely “who-oh-ho-oh” shoutout as the backing vocals. The closer is a solid cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Give In to Me’ off his Dangerous album – don’t knock it ’cause Slash played guitar on that one! Continue reading
