WK41 - Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau (5.5)

Released - 9/21/10

Label - Brushfire Records

BLURB - I had forgot Matt Costa existed for the last year or so. Costa broke ground about five years ago after signing to Jack Johnson's label (Brushfire Records), spitting out charming acoustic pop tracks like 'Cold December,' 'Mr. Pitiful,' and 'Sunshine.' On "Mobile Chateau," Costa is out to prove that his music has matured by leaps and bounds. He's not just that guy with the guitar anymore. The production of this album is filled with warm reverb and echo-tinged vocals, creating a very old-timey, nostalgic feel. That being said, the album feels a bit forced and unnatural for Costa, and fails to reach the potential that we all know is there.

Rating - 5.5 out of 10

FULL STORY - The most noticeable difference between "Mobile Chateau" and Costa's previous works are in the tone and texture of the production. In years past, Costa was merely just an acoustic singer/songwriter, much in the vein of Jack Johnson or Matt Nathanson. On his newest record there is dramatic shift in the presentation and instrumentation of his songs. Everything from pianos, to strings, to harmonized vocals surface on the album, in an effort to bring a richer quality to his works.

'The Season' opens up the record, filled with fuzzy reverb and echos galore. Almost too much. At points there is so much reverb that it's difficult to discern the instrumentation, which is actually quite nice. The pace of the song is somewhat slow, but when matched against the reverb and background harmonies of the chorus, it creates a very dreamy feel.

'Drive' is bright and bubbly track that revolves around a great descending piano riff. The song almost has a ragtime feel and definitely does not sound like it was made in 2010. The simplicity of the song works for and against itself here, as there are really only two sections bouncing back and forth (verse and chorus). It works in that the piece is catchy enough to initially reel you in, but it never really develops into a song. It sounds more or less like a couple of pretty good ideas that were converted into a song. I think even Costa realizes this as the track only lasts 2:28.

Sounding like something The Beatles would have written, 'Witchcraft' dances around as the clear cut best song on the record. There are numerous changes in pace and intensity on the track that help fuel the song, giving it a very real energy. Guitar riffs help to outline the song and provide some great musical hooks that work in unison with Costa's vocals. But at the 2:34 mark the song transforms into this odd, mellow outro that sounds out of place and unnecessary. I'm not sure what Costa was trying to accomplish, but it really kills the song. The only reason I still think 'Witchcraft' is the best song on the album is because I just stop listening after the 2:34 mark.

'Secret' has a subtle, motown-pop vibe that will catch you by surprise if you're listening close enough. The track is strangely calming and remains fairly downtempo, while Costa's vocals are soft and subdued, almost as if he's telling a...secret. See what I did there? What's missing from this track, however, is some kind of hook. The song is orchestrated well enough so it's appealing to your ears, but there are no melodies or catchy lines that will keep you engaged.

I'm sorry to say, this wasn't the album I was hoping for from Matt Costa. His strengths over the years have been in his ability to deliver clever and witty hooks over bright acoustic guitars. On "Mobile Chateau" we really don't see any of this, and much of the album is drowned in waves of haze and reverb. The idea and the effort to make a more mature and fuller-sounding record were there, but unfortunately it comes off sounding forced and uninspired.

Tracks

1.) The Season

2.) Johnny's Love of Majik

3.) Drive

4.) Mobile Chateau

5.) Can You Tell Me

6.) Idol

7.) Witchcraft

8.) Painted Face

9.) Bleeding Hearts

10.) Secret

11.) Strings of Change

12.) Next Time

13.) Mayor Harrison