Customer Reviews

Matson Jones

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I happened upon this CD looking for songs about fire (A Bit of Arson Never Hurt Anyone). Skeptical, I downloaded the available mp3's from their website and FELL IN LOVE.

Anna Mascorella and Martina Grbac's vocals parallel the strange and wonderful noise of the cellos, drums and upright bass that accompany them. Not quite punk -- nowhere near sweet girl sugar-pop, Matson Jones is well on their way to becoming the band every indie rock kid talks about.

Comparing this Denver quartet to any artist is almost demeaning -- but if you must: think PJ Harvey's demo tapes with Rasputina's cellos.

Matson Jones is unlike any other band. It rocks 2 celloist/vocalists, one double bassist and a hardcore drummer. I've been to 4 or 5 live shows and they just very recently hit national. A big label promises the attention they so deserve. Their songs range from a quirky-lyricked "A Little Bit Of Arson Never Hurt Anyone" to a slower, more goosebumpy "S.E.B. Ruined My Life". This is one album you will certainly not regret buying!

This is no average sound. It's hard to even give it a type of classification, which really makes it intriguing. This self-titled debut album definitely has the immediate effect of drawing you into its strange noise. Vocalists Martina Grbac and Anna Mascorella create a duet of eerie cellos moving at a rapid pace, shadowed by the sound of a deep standup bass and all being pushed along by the sound of attacking, steady drums. The songs are definitely odd, what with titles like "A Little Bit of Arson Never Hurt Anyone." The lyrics can be slightly deranged, but enchanting at the same time. I recommend the album to anyone and everyone in search of new music, because it's far too bizarre to pass up.

- Robin Bacior
Synthesis.net

Matson Jones is like Rasputina mixed with influences from riot girl bands. The vocals are melodic and not irritating like Sleater Kinney yet with the same energy and spunk. The cello/violin instrumentation add a distinct sound. The unpolished, garage aspects give it a punky edge but the vocal harmonies and classical string instruments offset the angst.

Unfortunately for the members of Matson Jones, they are required to sit down while the audience can't help but dance (including waltz). This quartet of two cellos, percussion, and bass is one of the most original bands and albums you will ever hear. Martina Grbac and Anna Mascorella have voices of angels and passionately turn their cellos into something you may never have imagined. Matt Regan on bass only amplifies the amazing energy of the drummer, Ross Harada. Seeing them live, the only real difference you feel is that you've gained a visual of the band--this album sounds as if you could be at one of their live shows. With the tracks "He Means Nothing, Dear" and "A Bit Of Arson Never Hurt Anyone", you feel the pain and heartstrings poured into the music. Two of the more lyrically amusing tracks, "Italian Song" and "N.E.S.F.T.O." bring an edgier side to the album that shows that even those classically trained can "break your legs". Matson Jones has truly proven their talent with their debut and won't be going anywhere for quite a while.

A very unique band pumping out a very unique sound. Cello's can rock, escpecially when backed by a double bass and very aggressive drummimg. Their sound is hard to adequately describe but you can download a few songs off their website (...)to get a better feel.
The album doesnt quite capture the energy of their live shows, ecspecially the drums, and there is a solid 6 or 7 songs which they perform live which are very good that are not on this album. The album is less than 30 minutes long with only 10 songs, however it is still a very solid, tight album well worth the money. Again go to their website and download a song or two to get a better feel.
And no, they dont sound like Rasputina, should they? Matson Jones and Rasputina have their own respective sounds as they should.

the only thing better than listening to this album is seeing the band in concert, but the record definately captures the vibrant energy and vitality that the band delivers in their live shows. this music is more of an experience than just a collection of songs. it speaks visually as well as lyrically with a gritty yet refined sound. i would recommend this album to anyone, although in some ways i'd almost like to keep it a secret to prevent the music from becoming overplayed or cliche, but it's definately worth sharing.

ah, matson jones...i first saw them open for the czars back in the hell days when i lived in denver...one of the little bright spots, i must say. why? because these girls ROCK their cellos, that's why. and the rhythm section is not bad either, just frenzied and frenetic enough. they sing together with a strange, almost flat, scream-y kind of harmony that gets under your skin and forces the bumps up. this is their first full-length and it is beautifully unconventional and will make you shake your rump.

They have cello, they don't use it anywhere near as effectively as a songwriting tool as Melora Creager does, but the singer sounds a bit like her, an influence is probably there. I think it's mainly the vocals that keep me from losing interest completely as I listen to this music and get bored by the simplistic monotonous cello chord changes. It's almost like bluegrass fiddle playing. They are a pretty interesting band, and the closest thing to a Rasputina substitute I've ever heard, but they reek of wasted potential.

An interesting disk instrumentally given the reliance on dual (duel) cellos. However, vocals are typical contemporary atonal shrieking.