Greensboro, NC has quietly (or rather not so quietly—depending on you point of view) been housing a growing anthology from singer-songwriter, guitarist, Matt Mocharnuk, and the sweetly sorrowful and melodically rich indie-rock from his solo venture, Bittersweet Machines.
I would urge you all to take a trip across the landscape of Matt’s artistic evolution beginning with, 2012’s Solituda, 2013’s Momentary Lights and How to Start a Tidal Wave, 2014’s A Night Full of Sharp Edges, 2017’s Girl with the Bee-Stung Lips, and finish-up your journey with his latest effort—and arguably his best work yet—2018’s No Bad Horizon, an album where he is joined by Kaitlin Grady on cello, and Keil Feher on drums.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
The album begins with two absolutely cathartic odes to the game of love in, Only You And Me, and, Same Old Tragedy; both of which have the bright energy and composition style of early-era Jimmy Eat World. They are both fantastic tracks which render a great way to open an album.
Beyond My Door takes a fascinating left turn, moving from the expertly composed indie/college-rock stylings of its four predecessors, to synth tones and an electronic rhythm that are no less entertaining. The contrast is straight deluxe. And, Matt’s deadpan gaze into the modern culture has weight…
“These days don’t make much sense to me, anymore
I don’t even recognize the world, beyond my door…”
Lights Are Fading Down has the urgency of an 80’s-style Duran Duran-esque track. Again, Mocharnuk chooses electro-drums and synth tones, and makes them work brilliantly. This is sooooo radio-worthy.
“One fire burns for two…”
—Lights Are Fading Down
Taking a page straight out of the 90’s, Ordinary Day’s spacey guitar rock is comforting and nostalgic.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Hold Still offers, perhaps, the truest glimpse into Matt’s way. Though it’s as finely crafted as the rest of the tracks on the record (think: Morning Parade), it’s Matt’s vulnerable desperation that makes the track…
“If this is all I have, hold still, hold still
If this could be the last time I see you, hold still
So that I can remember you this way…”
IN CONCLUSION…
Dedicated to the hope for—and loss of—love. Bright, honest, articulate. Vocally fantastic. Stereophonic bliss. Bittersweet Machines’ (i.e., Matt Mocharnuk’s) latest full-length album, No Bad Horizon, offers an impressive collection of exquisitely composed tracks—each wrought with much aforethought and contemplation.
Musically and lyrically, if you’re paying attention, you’ll feel the painstaking efforts taken in order to encourage each piece to bare fruit—the lovely arrangements of guitars, keys, synth, vocal layers and so much more. What it boils down to is that, No Bad Horizon—like the rest of Matt’s work—is the result of patient and focused effort, and a commitment to the song itself. This album is an instant 2018 Top Ten candidate, and we look forward to more from the artist.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Jimmy Eat World meets Morning Parade with a touch of Duran Duran…
BELOW: Listen to Bittersweet Machines’ new album, No Bad Horizon, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Bittersweet Machines by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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