matthew reid - Matthew Reid's Distorted Delusion

Matthew Reid

Matthew Reid's Distorted Delusion
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Last year Matthew Reid released Matthew Reid's Dysfunctional Adulation and in less than a year he is back with another full-length entitled Matthew Reid's Distorted Delusion that is a dramatic improvement in almost every area. The mix sounds better, the beats are bigger and more inventive, and his flow sounds more fluid. Reid’s lyrics are thought out and he often refers to himself in the third person. Matthew Reid's Distorted Delusion is a self-reflective album where Reid seems to be working out his frustrations as well as embarking on a journey of self-discovery. 

The album opens with “Life With No Care,” which revolves around a warm relaxed vibe while Reid spits out long lyrical verses. When the chorus hits he sings, “Celebration everyday as we eat that Krista cake, / Live life with no care, Im too ugly so please dont stare.” ”Matthew Reid. - Money Bag Eyes” is where Reid starts breaking into new territory. The beat is fresh, a futuristic sounding canvas of sounds that is conducive for Reid to start realizing his potential. He speeds it up, slows it down and starts to feel more relaxed. 

“Orange Leaves” combines fat sounding kick drum with a female vocal sample and what sounds like is a sample of some 70’s disco groove. “Lonerism” has some tinges of Kanye West while “Crazy Little Space” is a short but effective song that has atmospheric quality to it. “Ain't No Thang (The TH)” hits hard and slow. The bass slithers its way across the board as a vinyl record scratches to make the most thuggish sounding song on the album. 

“Another White Day” has one of the most energetic beats on the album. The beat is thick as multiple synths collide to create the melody. The album closes with arguably the highlight entitled “The End.”  Reid conjures up a groove that Tribe called Quest would be proud while he lays out some of his best rhymes.

While Reid has made some improvement Matthew Reid's Distorted Delusion is still far from perfect. Not every song works and the album is hard to get through in one listen. That being said this album hits a lot more than it misses and reveals a more focused, determined Reid. 

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