Jonah Matranga is one of those prolific musicians who seems to jump from project to project, ensuring his name stays in the forefront of the emo scene by seemingly releasing an album under one name or another every year. Matranga started out in the band Far, moved on to front Jade Tree act New End Original, and has released several solo albums under the moniker Onelinedrawing. Gratitude is his new project, and Matranga is not hiding the fact that this band will be vying for radio play right alongside Jimmy Eat World and U2, saying, "I truly think this is a band for everyone." Gratitude has already signed with major label Atlantic, and You're Invited is a four song "teaser" of songs from their upcoming debut.
I dislike reviewing these sort of teaser EP's. The songs are just a sample of an upcoming full-length, and are sent out by labels to generate a buzz about the band. It is hard to judge songs from an album out of context. I doubt this album is even available for purchase at brick and mortar stores, as it will become completely obsolete as soon as the full-length is out.
As far as the songs themselves go, they are unfortunately generic and emotionless. While I don't have every album Matranga has ever released, I have found his previous work in New End Original and Onelinedrawing to be musically endearing, if not overtly complex. I hate to be so blunt, but it seems as if Matranga has dumbed things down a bit with Gratitude. The guitar riffs are fairly standard, and sound like Fuel or some other 90's Alternative Rock group. The lyrics can also be cringe worthy, a sample being, "Tonight / lets celebrate it / love or hate it / it's ours tonight."
Overall, You're Invited really is not that bad. It is simply pop rock that is one step above Matchbox 20, but two steps behind Jimmy Eat World. So if that description sounds exciting, the full length from Gratitude is scheduled for release early in 2005.
1.5/4
