Friday 11 July 2014

Joe Matera -Terra Firma : Album Review

This is the second studio album from acclaimed guitarist Joe Matera and features a raft of great tracks that reinforce his claims to guitar hero status. In addition he showcases his vocal range not least on the albums single Shining Star, with its plaintive lyrics telling of long distance love and the joys and pains such a relationship brings. However it is with his guitar playing that Joe truly shines, from the upbeat and sparklingly brief opening of Intro III into the altogether bluesier and muddier title track Terra Firma, Joe proves once again his ability to coax a whole range of emotions from his guitar. 
This album feels much more a personal journey for Joe, from the sweetly contemplative Brick by Brick to the emotional angst apparent in the music and lyrics of Tell Me Why, this is an album of personal growth and catharsis. As ever Joe's guitar playing is consummate throughout the album and the production is excellent with the accent on the musicianship rather than the tricks of the trade. As Joe himself says in Shining Star 'When Nights Are Cold' just bung this on the turntable, kick back and let the sounds wash over you, and let Mr Matera's musical vision carry you away to a magical place for a while, you won't regret it.

Terra Firma is available on Mecury Fire Music