Matthew Ryan – Concussion

Matthew Ryan’s third album shows a development of his already much-lauded songwriting skill and a voice that manages to be both raw and polished. Ryan has one of those love-it-or-hate-it voices, but like Dylan or Neil Young, it’s a sound that perfectly captures his lyrics. There is a passion in his voice on even the slowest tracks, a passion that seems to possess a barely containable energy.

Concussion is a philosophical record that manages to be full of deep thoughts while remaining accessible. Many of the songs seem like short-short stories, peopled by rough, hard-living characters who just so happen to spout poetry. The standout track is “Devastation”, a duet with Lucinda Williams, who is in perfect form here, but it is not just her presence that makes this track so enjoyable. “Devastation” is a perfect match of music and lyrics, one of those songs you want to listen to over and over again.

Unfortunately, it is one of the few upbeat songs on the album; most of the numbers are slow, acoustic meditations that seem to drop the listener into a train of consciousness. All these songs are tightly written and backed mostly by a soft acoustic guitar, giving the album a quality that makes one feel as if they are eavesdropping on Ryan picking and singing in his living room. This emotional and intimate record is not for everyone, but it will grow on you.