By Mike O’Cull
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mike Mattison steps out on his own with his second solo album Afterglow, which dropped March 20th, 2020 on Landslide Records. It’s a solid set of Americana informed by blues and rock influences that will keep you listening through every second of its ten-song length. Mattison takes an eclectic approach to his material and his overlapping inspirations make Afterglow one of the most quietly commanding releases of the year. His style is inviting and individual and grabs your attention from the record’s first moments.
Mattison co-produced Afterglow with fellow TTB member Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell, who is also the drummer on the album. Other players on these tracks include Dave Yoke (guitars), Franher Joseph (bass), the late Kofi Burbridge (keyboards), Paul Olsen (guitars), and Rachel Eckworth (keyboards). Prior to being a member of TTB, Mattison was the singer with the Derek Trucks Band. He’s also 50% of the Atlanta-based blues duo Scrapomatic, who will be on the road this Spring as “Scrapomatic featuring Mike Mattison.” Mattison is in possession of a strong, expressive voice well-suited to blues and roots music and his lyrics are wise and literate. He’s a multidimensional talent who increases the potency of any situation in which he’s involved.
Afterglow opens with the moody “Charlie Idaho,” a tremolo-enhanced mid-tempo song with a simmering intensity that sets a contemplative tone for the rest of these sessions to follow. Mattison practically whispers the words into your headphones and lets the strength of the song carry itself. The title track, “Afterglow,” is up next and lifts the energy level with an old-school country feel, a memorable chorus, and some sweet, understated guitar work. This is alternative country the way it’s meant to be and vibes like a smoother version of 80s underground roots warriors The Gear Daddies, who, like Mattison, are Minnesota natives.
“Deadbeat” is another alt-country gemstone that tells a hard times story about someone “taking all the drugs I can.” It makes a perfect soundtrack to Winter in the upper Midwest and Mattison wrings every last bit of angst out of his lyrics. He has the rare ability to make anything he sings come across as genuine and true and overflows here with the kind of emotion that keeps people paying attention.
“All You Can Do Is Mean It” is a Beatle-esque heartbreaker about someone who doesn’t regret giving his honest best to another who knocked him down. It features a lovely guitar hook in the intro and accentuates the softer side of Mattison’s vocal talents. A few songs into the record, you begin to realize just how good of a songwriter Mattison is. He exhibits a high level of craft and keeps reshuffling the limited deck of cards Americana is built on into remarkably fresh, meaningful tunes.
“On Pontchartrain” is a country/rocker with a strong bass line and a tale of homesickness to tell. It skews to the mellow side a bit but is still gritty and effective. Mattison never boils over into cow punk and this small bit of restraint allows the full force of his lyrics and vocal tone to carry the day. He doesn’t seem capable of writing a bad song and delivers the natural brilliance all songwriters pursue in a way that seems effortless. Make certain you listen all the way to the end of the record so you don’t miss deep cuts like “I Was Wrong” and “I’ve Got Something For You.” Mike Mattison is one of the most subtle and amazing songwriters currently working and his solo music is as good as it gets. Those who dig into Afterglow and listen closely will be amply rewarded. Be one of them.
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