It is a bit strange how some people just go huge at one while others remain virtually unknown for a very long time. Matthew Perryman Jones (MPJ) has been around for a while and he keeps bringing us quality albums. He now returns with a brand new album, entitled Land of the Living. As always we get treated to a good variety of songs with a laid back, moody sound. The quickest reference I get is Augustana, there are many similarities with their music.
It starts off with the trademark MPJ song Stones from the Riverbed a nice song that builds from slow to a crescendo that is really nice. He has that potential to build songs like that, almost like post-rock songs. The majestic closing song is a prime example of that. There are a lot more strong songs on here than there are weak ones. I do think this is MPJ’s best and most consistent release so far. O, Theo is another favorite of mine along with Canción de la Noche
MPJ has started to get songs picked for American television shows. With an album like this in the books, I can see more of that coming. I like the darker tone to the songs and the album feels like one for the late nights. If you like Augustana or similar acts, this might be one of your favorites for 2012. A fine album!
Fightstar´s first EP was heavily influenced by the author Chuck Palahniuk, with the band naming a song after him ("Palahniuk´s Laughter") and including a drawing of Edward Norton´s character in the film adaptation of the Palahniuk book Fight Club.
