Matt Patrick

Item: Change
Author: Brian A. Smith

Change

(2002)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label Matrick MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

pop rock roots rock singer-songwriter

Matt Patrick, having appeared on seemingly every album made in Minnesota in the last two years, has finally released a disc of his own, entitled Change. Patrick is probably best known for his bass playing with Sara Groves and Pegtop, but it should not be assumed that he is limited to the bass. On Change, Patrick sings, plays guitar, Wurlitzer, Hammond B3, tambourine, toy piano, mandolin, shaker, piano, bass, drums, harmonica, Moog synthesizer, Mellotron, bells, Chamberlin, and accordion. (Imagine an album with him and Phil Madeira working together!)

Patrick's vocals can be compared to Mitch McVicker, Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, and at times, Bruce Hornsby. Musically, Change refuses to be pinned down, wandering from country-ish rock ("As I Am") to Dreams So Real ("Mr. Taylor") to Jars of Clay stylings ("With Sounds of Gentle Stillness").

The subject of "Lady Bird" is being pursued by Satan or by a nagging bad habit. It warns the listener about becoming complacent, or overly satisfied, and becoming unaware of those who would knock us off track. "Mr. Taylor" sounds like Out of Time-era R.E.M. and shows a lost soul trying to find his way back home. "Unwind" shows the need to get away from life's distractions and find God in the quiet.

"Change" revisits Romans 7, asking the question, "Why do I do what I don't want to do", and is a plea for Christ to transform us. Change is also the concept prevalent throughout this CD, illustrated in "Mary", the story of Mary Magdalene, and again in "Virus," a tale of the damage done by gossip and the rumor mill.

"Psalm 121" has a familiar sound, wrapping the listener in beautifully composed harmony, and reminding us that God is the source of help. "Tell Me", done in the style of Counting Crows, asks God to reveal Himself. "Collide in Harmony" details the perfection that we sometimes feel in relationships:

...an abundance of love that I have put into provision
that I will unleash once it hits
just between you and me I think this is a good idea
you and me hanging out for awhile
'til the last second of eternity
this converging of companions
is a blue ribbon recipe.

Change is proof that independent, low-budget artists can make some amazing music. There is very little here that will not appeal to the listener. Matt Patrick is a multi-talented artist with a heart for God, and shows that in grand form on this album.

4 tocks