The Matt Burke Band

It’s been a while since a band was so distinctly Californian that it should be part of their name, but The Matt Burke Band is just such a coalition. The duo of Matt Burke and Brue Baker’s sound, dubbed “Soulcoustic Beach Rock”, weaves southern rock, reggae and blues together in a blend that seemingly could happen nowhere other than on the beaches of the left coast. Burke and Baker in fact met while attending college in Florida. The Chicago-based duo has developed a reputation for dynamic live shows in their hometown, and earlier this year released their debut album, Pretty Close To Very Good.

Pretty Close To Very Good opens with “The Weekend War”, a reggae-flavored good time song for Friday night and beyond with great energy. Burke has an affable voice, and this is a fun arrangement that’s a perfect start. “One Step At A Time” is a catchy bit of acoustic rock n roll with serious pop pretensions. Burke displays a solid falsetto voice and an easy transition back and forth. This funky and fun tune blends the concept of carpe diem with the need to go slowly. “Cover To Cover” is an amusing tune that strings together lyrics and song titles from popular covers spanning the rock era. Kitschy and fun, it’s something of an inside joke for anyone who’s ever taken the stage and faced calls for covers when trying to perform original material.

“Superstar” is a tongue-in-cheek take on a performer whose ego gets the better of him performed in the first person that gets turned around to the perspective of those in his wake. It’s an interesting and ironic take on the pitfalls of a culture obsessed with celebrity. Burke is enigmatic here, personality plus that comes through even in the recorded medium of CD/MP3. “School” is a song of unrequited love for an unattainable girl. Burke expands on memories from high school days in this catchy and fun paean to how sometimes high school memories hit us from out of the blue. The theme is universal, and Burke’s songwriting and delivery are vibrant. “White Collar Blues” is a lamentation of the big dreams of a working musician just starting out and the nine-to-five drudgery he faces years later as he continues to try and ‘make it’. Whether musicians or not, this tune may well serve as an anthem for 20-somethings everywhere (and none too few 30- and 40-somethings).

“Moonshine Porcelain” is perhaps the catchiest tune on the album, and vaguely reminiscent of the Tragically Hip. Burke and Brue work some slide guitar into the mix of some pretty serious guitar work beneath the surface. “Fading Faces” laments the friendships of our school days that are lost to time in a Jason Mraz-style lyrical explosion that you won’t be able to shake. “Another Sad Song” reminds us that while music has the ability to open doors, it can also help trap us in thoughts we’d be better off escaping. The song starts out with just Burke and his guitar, waiting by the phone for a call from his ex that is never going to come. Burke captures an angst-filled energy here that fits perfectly. Burke and Brue close with “The Ride”, an energetic turn that fits that’s an apt wind down to an experience that’s even better than its billing.

The Matt Burke Band lives up to its reputation. Just from the album alone it’s clear that Matt Burke and Brue Baker would be welcome on almost any stage in any town. Rumor has it that their live show is even more impressive than the studio recordings. Pretty Close To Very Good turns out to be a modest representation of collection of dynamic and entertaining songs. You’ll want to put this one on your “need” lists, and don’t be surprised if The Matt Burke Band ends up on a Best of 2010 lists.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5) - “Wildy”, Wildy’s World

It is hard to pin down the genre and sound that best fits The Matt Burke Band. While at times the fun, sing-along atmosphere is bursting with energy and a hot adult contemporary sound; at times the words and lyrics fall alongside more of a bluesy folksy rock sound. Either way, The Matt Burke Band have an enjoyable product in Pretty Close to Very Good.

Easy Hum Along Lyrics
Of the first handful of songs, track one "The Weekend War" and "Superstar" are the most enjoyable. "War" (track one) is a burst of sunshine. With lyrics like "just like a lemon drop it really hits the spot and everything will be just fine" it is hard for the listener not to hum along and hit replay. "Superstar" (track four) is hard to stop listening to - what way will he describe this holier than thou singer? The lyrics paint the picture of this pompous ass, and each detail woven cleverly into song. The energy fades in terms of pace - as compared to track one- but the lyrics are oh-so-much-more interesting and peculiar.

While track two and three, "One Step At a Time" and "Cover to Cover" have honorable arrangements and simplistic delivery, that wave of energy and smirk is missing. The two tracks sound very similar and while the songs are fast-paced, they have a murky sound to them.

Chapters In a Book
What is easy to pin down about The Matt Burke Band is its continued solid showing of interesting lyrics and powerful songwriting. In "Moonshine Porcelain" (track seven) the chorus is repetitive, yes, but the point of reference is felt and equally moving in this southern-rock-bluesy product. Each song is like a chapter in a book.
Track eight "Fading Faces" talks about bullies, and the forgotten classmates. This song has profanity, but never feels out of anger. At one point, the lyrics state "just sit back, relax and listen to the words I'm sayin'." So true - and so fun!

Overall B+ Review
This writer's top song choices are "Superstar," "Fading Faces" and the tempting "Another Sad Song." No need for a bigger band; the acoustic guitars sing in their own right. Fans of Everlast and Justin Nazuka will enjoy The Matt Burke Band. Pretty Close to Very Good gets a B+ grade. It is undoubtedly clever and charming - the songwriting is incredible. It will be great to keep tabs on this duo - Matt Burke and Brue Baker - they have an amazing energy to them.
- Melissa Kucirek, suite101.com - 10/10/2010

The Matt Burke band debuts with its aptly titled Pretty Close To Very Good - a bold title indeed, with just enough humility to fall back on in case your first impression is that Very Close to Pretty Good would be better suited. But this is a band making bluesy pop-rock reminiscent of The Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, Hooty and the Blowfish, and at times Sugar Ray.

The one thing that immediately sets TMBB apart from the aforementioned -and highly commercial - acts is the organic quality. There's a charming rawness to it all that takes away any feelings of annoyance that some of the other bands may conjure up at the mention of their names. There are elements of singer-songwriter, blues, pop and rock on virtually every track here, creating a consistent sound you can rely on for the duration of the album.

It isn't hard to imagine hearing any number of these songs on major radio. For starters, they're catchy as hell. Take the opening track for example, "The Weekend War". It has this nice Caribbean vibe, complete with steel drums and a chorus that will not leave your brain without a fight. This is fun summer music at its best. Then there's "Superstar" with Spanish guitar playing you would expect to hear on a Carlos Santana tune.

"Moonshine Porcelain" is a very nice surprise out of the collection, as well as my personal favorite. It opens up with a bluesy dark guitar riff backed up by a deep jungle drum rhythm. The song immediately following this, "Fading Faces" is the edgiest track for sure. Bluesy and smooth, and yet somehow able to make even the purest of hearts sing along when the hook comes in: "Mitch Hunt where'd the f*ck you go? Mitch Hunt where the f*ck you been? Mitch Hunt where'd the f*ck you go? I think about you time again and I'd just like to know."

All in all, this is a solid album. Every surprise is seemingly a nice one. Musicianship is stellar; the lyrics have an "every man" quality to them; unexpected instruments are sprinkled throughout, creating layers of texture to this fun and soulful venture; Matt Burke's vocal range is wide enough to keep the listener interested, and the catchy hooks seal the deal. Indeed, the album is good. Is it very good? Pretty close.
- Carlito, MusicEmissions.com - 10/05/2010

Get ready for an album that offers a lot of good-sounding music for the people. The Matt Burke Band is made up of two musicians: Matt Burke on vocals, guitar, electronic drums, synth and bass & Brue Baker on lead guitar. The duo refers to their distinct sound as “Soulcoustic Beach Rock”. I agree with this statement, but it should be stretched out further because there is so much more to this group.

Both Matt and Brue are very good songwriters and they share a passion to make great music. They are both heavily influenced by many different genres of music and that’s what makes this record so special. The Matt Burke Band thrives on the energy that they receive when performing for a live audience. For Burke & Baker, it’s all about connecting with the audience and then feeding off of that. As artists, I’m sure that is some feeling when fans are diggin’ your songs in a BIG way. TMBB write & perform songs for people to enjoy and they also cover material that is easily relatable to the general public.

What amazed me the most was how two men could make it sound like there was a full band of four or more. Matt and Brue are definitely multi-talented and multi-dimensional; that goes without saying. On their debut release, you get a little bit of this and a little bit of that. You can rest assure that The Matt Burke Band will make sure every recording is Pretty Close to Very Good. I will go the extra mile and say that Burke & Baker will strive for perfection and they will not accept anything less.

The album contains 10 high-quality tracks as Matt Burke & Brue Baker invite you to have some fun and join the party! The CD opens up with a track titled “The Weekend War” where you are instantly getting an island flavor and a fun-in-the-sun vibe. When listening to this number you can’t help but feel good. As the record spins along, the duo switches it up by giving you some smooth, pop/rock jams. All of the songs are full of life and offer up such a nice flow. On the whole, vocally & musically Matt & Brue are completely in-tune and in-sync with each other as they are truly feelin’ the music. On song four, “Superstar”, you are hearing a Latin influence while on track seven I am loving the southern feel coming from the guitars. Their eclectic nature shines once again on “Fading Faces” where Matt Burke appears to be in a funky zone. They decide to close the show with “The Ride” where Brue Baker belts out an impressive guitar solo at the end. My personal favorites on the record would have to be: “The Weekend War”, “Fading Faces” and “Superstar”.

With a soulful approach on the mic, excellent musicianship and a cooler than ice vibe, The Matt Burke Band got it goin’ on. All I can say is that they just make it ALL work! Additionally, the incredibly catchy beats & rhythms stand out to me as being a major force on the album. I couldn’t help myself as I tapped my pen on the tray in front of me over and over. I could not control myself from drumming along to the CD as I felt like a third member for a minute—lol. I was hooked for sure and Pretty Close to Very Good held my attention throughout the entire recording. With a radio-friendly & fan-favorite sound, The Matt Burke Band should be exploding on the scene and taking over airwaves very soon!
- Jimmy Rae, Skope Magazine - 10/10/2010

Very rarely do bands come forth with such a vibrant energy and intensity that defines the essence of whom they are and what they set out to accomplish. With tracks like “The Weekend War” and “One Step at a Time”, The Matt Burke Band do just that. “The Weekend War” has a very tropical feel to it that makes the dreary days of autumn melt away. Despite the track’s tropical-shirt feel, there is a fire present in the vocals that has not been heard since the days of The Wallflowers. “One Step at a Time” showcases a falsetto that is half Jack Black, half Jason Mraz. Alongside these vocals, there is a solid foundation of the aforementioned funk and rock that belies a much more detailed and intricate arrangement underneath.

“White Collar Blues” has a more sedate sound to it than most of the tracks on “Pretty Close To Very Good”, but has The Matt Burke Band take on a different feel to great success. The narrative style of the track comes into view nicely, with guitars and drums entering to the equation at all of the right points.

It is not only the introductory salvos that will affect listeners, either. Take the penultimate track, “Another Sad Song”. “Another Sad Song” continues the same desire to innovate and change listeners’ perceptions that has been the norm for the Matt Burke Band on the whole of this album. With a more blues-laced feel to the track, “Another Sad Sang” goes into the realm of Kenny Wayne Shepherd or even Chris Cornell’s solo work.

“Pretty Close To Very Good” is an album that has a cohesive and cogent sound to it without having the band tread the same aural space over and over. Each track here has a different array of influences and styles, allowing the act to full stretch their wings by the end of “The Ride”. If you would like your music to really make you think while sounding absolutely fantastic, this may just be the album for you.

Top Tracks: The Weekend War, One Step at a Time
Rating: 8.6/10
- James McQuiston, NeuFutur Magazine - 10/07/2010

If anyone were to ask me about what The Matt Burke's Band album Pretty Close To Very Good "sounds like", I'd probably laugh and say that the title is self-explanatory! Though, I'd rather say that it "sounds like" everything you've ever felt, everything you'll ever feel, everything you've ever lived and everything you'll ever live...but nothing you could expect.

There is so much diversity, so much depth and meaning in this album that it's just mind-blowing.
I confess that I've never, never, never heard such music in my whole life! All of this is in a very positive sense, as you will read.

The Matt Burke Band's core is made of two people, both guitarists: Matt Burke and Brue Baker (is there a pun intended here?) with various guests, all very serious, seasoned, top notch, high caliber ones. The end result is a perfectly well balanced 10-song record.

There's a blueprint in Matt's songwriting, however each song has its own flavour (from Carlos Santana's sound to Nirvana's raw energy, via Metallica's James Hetfield-like vocals.) It is always "yummy" and the lyrics are unique.

The opening song, The Weekend War, is a bit more pop than rock, but has enough guts to be a real hit, with a "hymnic" vibe. Very groovy!

The second song, One Step At a Time, showcases Matt's outstanding vocal abilities, very similar to another singer I hold in high esteem: Guillaume Eyango. Funk/soul vibe for this one, yet still rocking.

Throughout the whole album, there are tempo changes which can only grab the listener's attention and build focus.

On the song Moonshine Porcelain, the drop guitar tuning gives a really interesting way of adding power and character. A bit of grungy slide guitar vibe for this one.

Pretty Close To Very Good is an understatement. This album is a blend of pop, funk, soul, grunge, slide, and groovy rock...at its best.
- Jean-Baptiste Collinet, Muse’s Muse - 10/21/2010

CD REVIEW:

The Matt Burke Band is traditionally a two piece operation fronted by Matt Burke with Brue Baker on Lead Guitar. With this album Matt & Brue have transcended their original sound with the material they have written over the years & enlisted the help of a few other musicians.

Logging in at just over 38 minutes the CD gently takes flight with “The Weekend War” a soothing acoustic lullaby that serves up steady rock rhythm, catchy vocal melodies, & a grand slam chorus. This intro track sets the tone for the entire CD, with its feel good groove & soothing tropical, Spanish aftertaste - perfect for a Corona & beach bon fire. Track 2 “One Step at A Time” dishes out yet another impressive track with its driving rock rhythms, & addictive vocal melodies from Burke. Track 3 “Cover to Cover” serves up yet another solid track with clever lyrical content, driving melodies & impressive vocal accents again from Burke. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Jason Mraz, Blues Traveler, Dave Mathews Band, Los Lonely Boys, & even a dash of Sublime, and Jack Johnson. This CD makes a pretty solid first impression. Right from the start you will notice rich musical textures overflowing everywhere, full of warmth, variety, & strong melodic structure. I would classify this music as acoustic pop rock, with a slight aftertaste of alternative folk. The songs themselves are addictive, & upbeat, complete with positive, carefree subject matter. The musicianship of this band is pretty solid across the board. The players themselves write, & play there parts extremely well. I especially like all the acoustic guitar solos throughout the CD. Along the way you will notice lush layers of instrumentation. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice things like steel drum, impressive keyboard, Spanish guitar, & moog accents layered along the way. Equally as impressive is the vocal presence of Matt Burke. Burke takes many vocal risks throughout the CD indicating to me a strong & confident vocal ability. His voice sounds in the vein of Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Ed Kowalczyk (Live) & even Adam Duritx (Counting Crows) .For the record his falsettos are flawless. If Burke just so happened to write all these songs – well he could be bigger than any of us realize. He clearly is a premier talent within this project & pound for pound possesses a lot of musical talent. All songs are short & sweet musical experiences, never too winded, never to short. From my personal favorite “Superstar” to passionate “School”, to rocking “Moonshine Porcelain” to clever “White Collar Blues” to grooving “Fading Faces” & “Another Sad Song” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD Ends with Track 10 “The Ride” a perfect finale statement for a CD that doesn’t have a weak song on its entire catalogue.

It's hard to find any notable weaknesses with this CD. At 38 minutes it’s fair to say the CD is just a bit short. Perhaps 2 or3 more songs would really seal the deal for me & make it a grand slam musical catalogue. Also to go with the tropical, Spanish guitar vibe perhaps some percussive elements would be in order. I also wish there were a few more vocal harmonies here & there as the music really calls for it.

“Pretty Close to Very Good” is an impressive musical production from start to finish. The music is clean, goes down smooth, & the messages are upbeat & sung from a deeply carefree perspective. It’s strong suit – the solid consistency & musical warmth of Matt Burke. He possesses enough musical talent & songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. Like the aforementioned, there isn’t a weak song on this entire CD. The musicianship is first rate; the vocals, dynamic phrasing, & melodic accents are brilliantly placed & extremely well crafted. The Matt Burke Band let’s it all hang out musically on the CD & has clearly proven themselves with this debut release. From start to finish “Pretty Close to Very Good” is well - pretty close to Very Good to say the least…
- Cyrus Rhodes, Indie Music Digest – 9/17/2010