Music Style Powerpop, Dreampop, Folkpop, Jazzpop.

Musical Influences Beatles, The Police, Daniel Lanois, Suzanne Vega, Bob Mould, The Jenny Thing (!).

Similar Artists Michael Penn, Neil Finn, Jeff Buckley, Elvis Costello, Daniel Lanois, Elliott Smith.

Artist History Singer/songwriter Matt Easton takes a vacation on his own with songs that move among guitar pop craft and dreamy, impressionistic and jazz-tinged tunes. Matt comes out of Berkeley's well-loved alternative pop outfit The Jenny Thing which has released three independent albums and shared stages with the Gin Blossoms and Juliana Hatfield.

Albums Love Ambition Demo

Press Reviews In the ‘90s, Matt Easton recorded three albums with theJenny Thing, a superb alternative-pop combo with reflections of the Cure and New Order. On his solo effort "Love Ambition Demo," Easton turns the volume down, allowing the spotlight to fall on his gorgeous vocals. Easton’s voice can evoke tenderness and pain without any of the histrionics usually heard on modern-rock radio. The atmospheric opening track, "The Promise," is a moving declaration of love, and when Easton sings, "When the waves rise/I’m in the water with you," it’d make even Chris Isaak swoon. Much of "Love Ambition Demo" recalls the moody introspection of the Red House Painters; however, Easton’s lyrics are less somber, more hopeful and straightforward. No Cure or New Order comparisons can be made anymore although "Save Me From Myself" has a Smiths-like midtempo riff. Easton continues to evolve as an artist, and the heartfelt, hauntingly sung tracks on "Love Ambition Demo" are a sneak preview for further excellence. Even when his music reminds you of somebody else, Easton has a style uniquely his own. Easton’s heroes are easy to pinpoint; however, the only thing he really has in common with his idols is their commitment to quality. As with the Jenny Thing’s outstanding "Nowhere Near You," "Love Ambition Demo" doesn’t sound like an indie release; the production is clean and smooth. Filled with merely five tracks,"Love Ambition Demo" is only half an album, but it has the weight of a classic LP. ("Love Ambition Demo" can be acquired through www.matteaston.com and www.cdbaby.com.)

Location Oakland, CA - USA

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