The Mattson 2: Feeling Hands (Galaxia, 6/14/11)
The Mattson 2: “Black Rain”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/02-black-rain.mp3|titles=The Mattson 2: “Black Rain”]Identical twins Jonathan (drums) and Jared (guitar/bass) Mattson comprise The Mattson 2, a California-based band that mixes surf rock bombast and jazz abstraction. It’s a pairing that makes immediate sense; both genres come from a place of freewheeling expression and laid-back grooves. It’s a sound that wouldn’t be out of place in a Quentin Tarantino movie, and the brothers’ signature Reservoir Dogs mode of dress seals the deal.
A correspondingly classic visual treatment is on display in the video for the song “Pleasure Point,” from the recently released full-length, Feeling Hands. Recorded in the brothers’ CD-filled childhood bedroom in Cardiff, CA, Jared demonstrates some impressive fretwork on a double-neck guitar/bass while Jonathan keeps pace on the drums. The track builds to a squealing crescendo with shades of post-rock — a big sound in a tiny room that creates a poetic full-circle feeling.
First saw these talented brothers playing with Ray Barbee at a Roxy women’s surf contest at Cardiff 3-4 years ago. I’ve been following their careers since. They need more mainstream exposure. Great sound!
Just discovered you guys, and instantly bought the new album. As an SD indie filmmaker and jazz fan, I love what you guys are doing. Keep blasting off.
Jeff