Over the years we’ve seen rock, pop and even modern folk music slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” or “Power Pop.” I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll” into “Yoga, Vitamins, & Nikelback” Of course millions of musical lemmings out there don’t know the difference anyway, but trust me when I say not everyone is amused. Talking to many music fans out there the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something special, with a fresh new sound that doesn’t leave it soul at the door. Something that doesn’t sound like Nikelback, Daughtry or Lifehouse.
So across my desk slides the new CD by Canadian, Matthew Nimegeers entitled “Mystery Man”. What I heard put a smile on my face. It’s a nice easy flowing record that delivers solid songwriting with a nice pop-rock feel. Nimegeers reminds me of a modern day Cat Stevens, with maybe a hint of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Neil Diamond and even a touch of Jack Johnson or Rob Thomas. You will also hear a side of Classic Rock and even Modern day Pop and Folk. If you like the above bands you should definitely check out this CD. My favorite track is probably a toss up between “Buffalo Breeze” and Little Nick”. If I could say anything to Nimegeers right now – it would be step up to the microphone a bit on some of the finale moments, find that emotional pocket and ride up the intensity a bit. Also the overall sound needs to be modernized a bit as well. This can be done without “elling-out” so to speak. I really like the voice, and the songs, but he needs a tad more emotion in his vocal delivery. CD is available on CD BABY and can be downloaded on I — Tunes.
Overall “Mystery Man” by Matthew Nimegeers is clearly a solid release with many feel good grooves with a pleasant rock driven guitar sound that is a pleasure to listen to. I also like the passionate messages contained on the album very uplifting and overflowing with wisdom. It’s a record that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing new Canadian artist and takes us back a few years — before everything started sounding like — well Nikelback.
By: Kevin Huber
Edited by Cyrus Rhodes
