For the last decade Matt Gabriel has been performing around the US. While on tour he started to write songs for what would become Earth Tones. The seven songs ring with a true Americana type spirit that perhaps was created while touring the states. On top of an Americana vibe Gabriel combines elements of rock, folk and country.
The album starts off warm and inviting with “Big Sur.” A simple guitar pattern is introduced alongside what sounds like organ and additional vocal harmonies. The effect is nostalgic but also quite hopeful. For some reason it felt like a song you would put on to appreciate what you have. The lead vocals by Gabriel sound great and the lyrics are open to interpretation. I appreciated the fact the song didn’t go to epic. The drums do create some more energy but it never felt like it goes full on grandiose which I thought was a good move. Up next is “The Departed” which felt a little more single worthy. It’s immediately catchy and the melody got stuck in my head after the first listen. I would say this song is warm similar to the first song but the chorus felt bright and optimistic. “Stay” was a personal favorite. It has its roots in blues which I wasn’t expecting and almost comes off like a holiday classic. Gabriel pulls it off and also manages to make it sound connected to the previous songs. There is some great instrumental work on this song and I liked the subdued vocal harmonies around the two-minute-and-thirty-second mark. “I Could Use Somebody” leans towards country pop while “Red” displays an intimate by the fireplace type song that is tender and heartfelt. “Bada Bing” rocks out more than anything that came before. Gabriel closes out with the bluegrass inspired “Sticks and Stones.” Gabriel shows off a number of different styles on this release. There were some styles I preferred just because I have a proclivity towards a genre but I thought he pulled it all off. This is a really well produced and written album. Recommended.
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April 2024
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