The Matt Swanton Band – Growing Pains
Self Released
12 tracks/54 minutes
This is the sophomore release of this 2023 International Blues Challenge semi-finalist band from Massachusetts. They power their way through blues songs with a heavy rock feel to their work. The band, in addition to Swanton on guitar and vocals, are Dave Osoff on keys, Ken Edleman on bass, Dan Vaccari on drums and Will Tattan on auxiliary percussion. All songs were written by Swanton.
“Mulpus Bop” opens the album with a driving instrumental with hard rocking guitar licks and some nice organ behind it and later soloing. The guitar remains wickedly hot on “Soldier” and the organ continues superbly, too. Swanton’s vocals are solid, too. Next is the title tracks. Swanton plays lead and slide here and offers some tasty licks. The organ remains a big part of the action here, too. This is ain’t your grandfather’s blues, these are some hot, rocking performances. “Cooking With Fire” slows things down a bit. Matt and the band deliver another fine performance as he sings and plays with passion and deep feeling.
The electrifying rocker “Sick” is next and begins with some really fiery guitar licks. A slower to mid-tempo delivery and fine performances make this a cool cut and a standout. More solid organ helps sell this one. “Beggin’ for Your Love” follows and Swanton gives us some funky pedal on his guitar and he and Osoff deliver another rocking winner. Up next s “Testify,” a slow and soulful tune with Swanton testifying vocally and on guitar. “Too Close to the Sun” is about self tip toing and medicating one’s way through mental health issues. Dark and somber, we see another dimension of Swanton here.
“Me and My Friends” is a rollicking cut and the piano soloing after the guitar also adds a nice touch, as does the slide guitar. Next is “Nothing Can Keep Me from Loving You,” a slow and somber tune delivered with passion. This is pretty and slow blues done well. “You Think You’re Slick” is another slower blues with a great little groove and cool sound and nice finger picking and ivory tinkling. They conclude with “Rain Dance,” which has breathy song delivery that reminds us to take the time to appreciate life. It’s a driving number with a good vibe and some uncredited female backing vocal along with a little funkiness.
This band gives their all, merging psychedelic rock, blues, soul and funk into a fun album that I enjoyed. This one is well worth a spin, especially if guitar and keys are something you appreciate.
