*. Peter Matuchniak .*

Album: Uncover Me (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Folk/Art Rock)  /  USA

Peter Matuchniak has previously featured in a couple of reviews posted by DPRP, namely those for the Mach One reissue of a few years ago and more recently the progressive group effort by Evolve IV. However, Uncover Me is the first release to appear under his own name. Ostensibly a solo album - Matuchniak is the sole composer of all the songs and contributes guitars, keyboards, bass and vocals - the strength of the album lies in the associated musicians he has assembled to fill out the music. In particular the wonderful vocals of Natalie Azerad, although that is not to diminish the important contributions of bassist Rick Meadows and drummer Jimmy Keegan, probably more familiar to readers as the tour drummer for none other than Spock's Beard. So some prog credentials there then! What with Evolve IV along with his latest band The Geko Project (review coming soon!) there is no doubt of Matuchniak's progressive heart, but with a solo album there is more opportunity to explore other musical avenues. Which is not to say the album does not feature some very good progressive numbers, particularly on the opening two numbers Falling Ash [Landscape Burning p1] and Running Blind. With distinct Floydian overtones (try listening to the opening of Falling Ash and not think of The Great Gig In The Sky!) and a lovely acoustic guitar solo (by Mike Eager) the album is off to a cracking start. Azerad is a great talent, effortless switching from soaring backing vocals to strong lead on Running Blind, a lovely song with some gutsy, crunchy guitar chords to beef things up. A switch to an acoustic title track containing some ace playing by flautist David Gilman, shows a different side to the composer with this song falling into more of a folky vein, but an utterly compelling one at that.. Down In New Orleans has a lovely guitar tone and features the first lead vocal by Matuchniak. However, aside from the guitar playing, I was not too enamoured by this piece, as it seemed to be to be a bit too laid back and disjointed, although it does, once more, display a different facet to the artist. Gilman switches to saxophone to provide the opening to Running Back To You, another number featuring Azerad's dulcet tones. Somewhat more quirky with some fluid guitar lines, this is a fine song. The brief instrumental London Vibe has more of a jazz influence with yet another highly proficient saxophonist, Conor Jonson, generating atmosphere. Lionheart Betrayed is a more personal song and that's all I really want to say about it! Ted Zahn sings on the 53 seconds of Sandcastles which might seem absurdly brief but it is a perfectly formed number, says all that it needs to say and then ending - a style of writing that some progressive bands could adopt (although they may want to at least break the minute barrier!) Across The Pond has more of a late night jazz vibe to it, with Vance Gloster providing a keyboard horn section to supplement the trumpet of Henry Miller and sax of Conor Jonson. A cool number indeed with just the right amount of sleaziness incorporated. The epic ending number is Rising Sun [Landscape Burning p2] which begins with a lilting flute and acoustic guitar. The spoken vocals are a pet dislike of mine, but are forgiven in this instance due to the delightful nature of the song. Defiantly prog it incorporates some elements of the better jam bands and really provides the listener for a plethora of different elements to assimilate over repeated listenings. As a nod to the past and more of a bonus track, Hippy In The Rain closes out the album. Originally appearing on the original Janysium/Mach One cassette from the early 1980s (wish my copy hadn't gone walkabouts as I really would like to hear Iron Lung, Into The Pit and A Bit Of Nothing Really... again - anyone have a copy?!) the acoustic ditty is a somewhat throwaway number but is rather sublime in its innocence and naivety. That I could instantly sing along with it when I first played the CD after having not heard the number for approaching 25 years must say something about the memorability of the melody. Matuchniak is on something of an upwards trajectory after many years away from the music scene. His two band projects are making a bit of a noise and on the evidence of this first solo release there are plenty more ideas competing for attention. Uncover Me provides an engaging and multi-faceted view of a musician who has been known to refer to himself as The Various Artist. There is plenty to enjoy on this album, including more than a few songs that are well having in one's musical collection. A fine effort and one that lays down a solid foundation for future musical endeavours. 
Review by "Mark Hughes" (www.dprp.net).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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