There’s a lot to discover in ‘Punishers’. The latest album by Brooklyn-based sonic voyager Matt C. White, the record showcases all the punch and potent aural energy possessed by the American musician. Frequently seen on hard-rock, stoner and psychedelic territories, White prediliges striking, fuzzy distortions and galloping drum grooves, then wrapping it all with his witty, quirky vocals, always delivered with charisma and confidence.
It’s all very interesting; while the core concepts behind Matt’s artistry are indeed steeped in rock tradition, the way he goes about it is inherently futuristic and refreshing, distilling the last forty years of guitar-powered music history into a stream of relentless, boundary-pushing roll & roll-flavoured material. ‘Punishers’ is the latest example of that. Among the many guitar solos and intricate arrangements, the album also benefits from White’s experience in the New York nightlife scene, especially regarding the many underground, smoky bars full of drunk figures eager to talk to you about themselves.
That’s what gets referred to as ‘Punishers’. Featuring 10 unforgettable episodes, the record balances solid all-out band efforts and more reflective, experimental pieces (‘Summonthin’, for instance). Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, White explains: “The record was inspired by self-centred drunk people who trap unsuspecting bar patrons into lengthy conversations about themselves – aptly nicknamed ‘punishers’.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Punishers’ on Spotify:
