Review: Matt Andersen – The Hammer & The Rose
Matt Andersen – The Hammer & The Rose
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Sonic Records
Release: 2025
Text: Andy Trachsel
Matt Andersen is a Canadian blues Americana musician who has been releasing albums since 2004. I remember his powerful voice on the folky blues song When My Angel Gets The Blues. He is also a hell of a guitarplayer by the way. His new album is somewhat different. He uses a soulful jazzy voice like José James. It’s like he is playing in your living room, almost whispering with a band in a clean minimal mix. And what a lap steel player! The band is Christine Bougie on lapsteel, Aaron Comeau on keyboards, Kyle Cunjak on acoustic bass and Afie Jurvanen on acoustic guitar.
The first song is the title song The Hammer & The Rose. It’s about relationships and the struggle between the head and the heart. There’s also power in his laid back voice. While listening your body wants to swing from left to right and vice versa. Nice!
Hold On To Me has again that beautiful lapsteel of Christine. Matt’s voice resembles Tom Jones, which is a compliment. We hold on to Matt! Wayaheadaya has a nice beat consisting of snare and handclapping. Aaron’s keys give the song a funky touch. And Matt isn’t whispering anymore. The power is released! On Stay Home With You the romantic atmosphere is back. Minimal keyboards, acoustic guitar and Matt’s soft voice.
The next track is Countin’ Quarters which is a country ballad about financial survival. Again fantastic pedal steel and a relaxed acoustic guitar. The Cobbler (Good For My Sole) is a short uptempo song with a funky flavour. Nothing more or less.
Tonight Belongs To You is a love song. Almost too sweet. So to spice up the album the next song You’re Here To Stay has loud drums, hand clapping and echo on Matts voice. The background vocals give the song even more swing. And yes a pedal steel solo!
Magnolia is an evergreen of J.J.Cale. The Fender Rhodes makes the difference and Matt’s voice whispers Magnolia’s name in the corner of the bedroom I imagine. A beautiful cover!
The final track is Always Be Your Son. A country tearjerker about father son relationship. Only guitar and voice.
Well it is something else what we expected from vocal powerhouse Matt Andersen. More rose than hammer. But for sure a commercial success and very radio friendly!
Tracks:
01. The Hammer & The Rose
02. Hold On To Me
03. Wayaheadaya
04. Stay Home With You
05. Countin’ Quarters
06. The Cobbler (Good For My Sole)
07. Tonight Belongs To You
08. You’re Here To Stay
09. Magnolia
10. Always Be Your Son
Website: https://www.stubbyfingers.ca/