Customer Reviews

Unfamiliar Faces [Vinyl]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Who Is Matt Costa?

Now on his third album, its still surprising that not many people even know of this singer/songwriters' existence. Born in 1982, the artist is a Myspace mainstay, but his talent has spread through word-of-mouth, not to mention his endless touring and performing on the indie concert circuit.

Three Artists who I can instantly compare Costa to, should give you some idea of what his music sounds like : Jack Johnson, Colbie Caillat, and the Beach Boys. Of the three, Costa is most similar to Johnson. In fact, on some tracks, the instrumentation and vocals are so eerily similar to Jack Johnson, but unlike him, Costa doesn't rely so much on the beach vibe. Which is probably a good thing. If you're a close observer of the indie music scene, and know names such as Jose Gonzalez and Devendra Banhart, then you should know that Matt Costa sounds very similar to those artists as well.

With a schoolboy voice that admittedly has a limited range, Matt primarily sings of love and life, all set to folk tunes that at times veer toward alternative rock (ever so slightly). So yes, this predominantly slow, mood music that is very much in the vein of "Coco" by Colbie Caillat. For example, listen to "Lilacs" and "Vienna" (the two best tracks on the record). This is clear, sunny, 1960s tinged folk-pop with that 'feel good' factor. Its light, frothy and inoffensive, and absolutely apt for a lazy Sunday at home.

However, in terms of sonic soundscapes, I found that this album was very similar to Norah Jones "Not too Late", in that it got very tedious and 'same-sounding' towards the end. "Bound" and "Heart of Stone" for example, are songs full of good intentions, but its hard to not reach for the 'next' button when these songs are on. Other than this minor quibble, the entire album is rather enjoyable.

Perhaps the most inspiring track, overall, is "Miss Magnolia", a relentlessly upbeat, wordless chorus song with a harmonica and banjo at centerstage. This lovely instrumental piece ends the album on a high note - it would have worked very well as album opener as well.

Matt Costas' "Unfamilar Faces" may not change the way you look at music, but its a fantastic piece of fresh indie music with soul. If you're a fan of folk-rock, acoustic-rock, or even some bluegrass, you should pick this up. There are at least four quality songs here that are worth your money.

Four Stars

I just got Unfamiliar Faces and Songs We Sing and must say they're both pretty awesome! Having never heard of Matt Costa, I ordered these on a whim based on the relationship with Jack Johnson.

Both of these albums have a fresh, folky and uplifting feel to them. One of the other comments referenced a "Beatles" feel, and I would agree with that also.

As a side note, my three year old loves these albums! He enjoys Jack Johnson as well, maybe because both of these artists seem to create music that's not overcomplicated. It's just pure, meaningful music that makes you feel good.

Matt Costa channeled the Beatles, brought in the folk, and even busted out bluegrass in this complete and themed based album. Fantastic work from a budding musician. Love the keys throughout the album, they're full, vibrant, and catchy. The final song grabs you even if you don't like bluegrass. Bravo, Mr. Costa and Brushfire records.

Five in the morning, I turn on MTV, hoping for some background noise while I munch on my Cheerios. Still groggy, I watch, dumbfounded by an odd guy running around the streets of some city - possibly San Francisco - playing some strange contraption that consisted of three or four different musical instruments. He was playing an infectious melody about a certain "Mr. Pitiful." Needless to say, I purchased this cd that very day.
Matt Costa is an amazing song writer and a big breath of fresh air in a world of rap and My Chemical Romance. This cd is amazing, from the bouncy "Mr. Pitiful" to the beautifully simple "Vienna"; from the bluesy "Bound" to the catchy folk "Miss Magnolia."
If you appreciate song writing, and you don't mind some originality, this cd is one to check out.

I like his other CD (Songs we Sing) a bit better, but this one is great, too!

The song "Trying to lose my mind" sounds like the inspiration for the album. Part of the lyrics for this song say "a girl I knew only liked the old bands". Matt Costa's third album has a little bit of what made the "oldies" great but does those sounds better.

Absolutely great album. Kudos to Matt Costa!

A must get along with Songs We Sing.
all of the songs are catchy and very creative


ps also check out Donovan Frankenreiter

I thought his first album was really good, but this one is even better. if you liked songs we sing, youll love unfamiliar faces. The album is good the whole way through. Its awesome.

Often, the dreaded sophomore jinx comes when an artist, who's had years to hone songs, only spends a few months to a year putting together a second effort. /Unfamiliar Faces/ doesn't suffer from this problem at all.

I got into Matt Costa after hearing his track on Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (Jack Johnson). Then after seeing him live shortly afterward I came to really appreciate him as an artist. So once this album came out it was a definite day one purchase.

The album as a whole musically and lyrically surpasses his previous Songs We Sing album with stand outs like Lilacs, Unfamiliar Faces, Cigarette Eyes and Miss Magnolia. The sound of the album has a great blend of acoustic rock and some songs mixed with elements of southern blue grass sound like in Miss Magnolia.

As a whole, the album is a great listen, with barely a bad track in site. But the weaker (but not bad) songs like Bound and Heart of Stone keep it from getting 5 stars. Any fan of the Brushfire record line should pick up this album and his previous Songs We Sing. Anyone else should give a few songs a listen first since it's not for all in the mainstream music scene. Great Album buy a great artist, and make sure you see him live if you are lucky enough to get a chance.