Matthew J Thomson - You're A Runner

Matthew J Thomson

You're a Runner
Insert name here Productions; 2013

4.2 out of 5

By Dan Donley 

Matthew J. Thomson has an impressive resume. He is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, audio engineer, and audio post-mixer and editor. Working as a producer over the years as well as earning a 2011 Genie nomination for Best Original Song for “Tender Steps” he has had a lot of recent success. It’s no wonder he gets called on to produce, as I was really impressed after hearing You’re a Runner, which a lot of thirty-somethings like myself will enjoy. If you were digging Yo La Tengo or Pavement back in the 90’s you will enjoy this. The album has great production with gritty guitars, well-balanced drums and great vocals. Thomson explains, “This album was mainly inspired by my son, who was born during the process of making the album.” Interestingly enough Thomson says the songs also have a folk influence. However when I was listening I felt it favored greatly on the side of great 90’s indie rock.

So let’s talk about some of these gems that could easily sit beside “And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out.” I really enjoyed the whole album but there were a couple that gave me that fuzzy feeling. The first song is a slow rocker entitled “You’re Late” almost sounding like My Bloody Valentine and Yo La Tengo combined and had a pretty little baby with bells on top. This is the last band comparison I swear but the next song “And It’s You” had a distinct Stephen Malkmus feel that sounded great – nice slightly crunchy guitars, sing-a-long type vocals and solid drumming – not too shabby. “I’m Running Out of Time” introduces some banjo but it doesn’t sound like a bluegrass band. It’s a banjo being played amongst a great indie rock song. Check this guy out whether you are a fan of late 90’s indie rock or not because the songs are great and will appeal to anyone who has half a brain for good music. 

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