Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 8.5
Production: 9.0
Originality: 7.0
Tracklisting
2. Surrender
3. My Mannequin Can Dance
4. Goody, Like Two Shoes
5. Monsters
6. Say It Like You Mean It
7. Portrait
8. Singing Bridges (We All Fall)
9. Fiction
10. What A Sight
11. I Wish You Were Here
Voices is the second full length release from Matchbook Romance. There was a lot of speculation in recent interviews that this was going to be a big change by this quartet from Poughkeepsie, NY. What can be expected is just that, a true progression in their style of music. While Stories and Alibis seemed to be about love and heartbreak, there is a very dark, scary, depressing tone to Voices. Right out of the gate the first track features a creepy chorus which repeats that title, “run/ you can run/ you can run/ we’ll find you.” The guitar bridges were amazing, really helping to sink the listener deep into the music. The instruments all together seem to be a step up from the last release and really compliment each other very well.
The first single is the track “Monsters” which has been available to hear for awhile now. The whiny guitars, hand-clapping, and upbeat yet disturbing chorus make for a poppy, radio-friendly song but it wasn’t the strongest track on the record. That distinction was held for “Goody, Like Two Shoes.” The sweet verses lull you in and then the chorus throws a bit of bitterness at you. By the final verse, with the help of some eerie keyboards that bitterness has escalated as several vocals harmonize to scream in your face. The majority of the tracks are consistent and very catchy. Unfortunately the final track, the weakest, is a real letdown. A dull and sad piece featuring only the lead vocals and guitar, the voice is very monotone and really is a sore spot for a record that is sure to be a hit for these guys.