Rating:
Genre: Rock
Release Date: 09/23/2003

In an assertive full-length debut, Matchbook Romance deals out a strong hand and plays it well. The winning cards include expressive lyrics delivered most of the time by twin lead vocals, songs powered by a combination of sharp hooks and dramatic changes in dynamics, and a multi-layered production in which Brett Gurewitz allows plenty of room for the sound to chime, buzz, and roar over Aaron Stern's thundering drums. (Stern especially loves doing double bass drum fills, which sound the way a Muhammad Ali combination must have once felt.) They build their choruses and other peak moments around massive blasts of guitar anchored by basslines on the root of each chord for maximum impact. At the same time, they don't skimp on the details; guest keyboardist David Palmer's unobtrusive bleeps and gurgles bring some variety to the otherwise monochromatic timbre, especially in quiet interludes or long final chords. With this sort of intensity and bravura, Matchbook Romance sets a high standard for itself and shows every sign of meeting it on future releases. (Beware, however, the noodling and noise that flare up after more than 70 tracks of silence. Even without this tired gag, there's more than enough to chew on throughout the CD's 12 real cuts.)

~Robert L. Doerschuk, All Music Guide

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Joe Barresi - Producer
Joe Barresi - Engineer
Joe Barresi - Mixing
Brett Gurewitz - Producer
Pete Martinez - Editing
Pete Martinez - Assistant Engineer
Jeff Moses - Assistant Engineer
David Palmer - Keyboards
Gene Grimaldi - Mastering
Bruce Jaccoby - Drum Technician
Jeff Abarta - A&R
John Naclerio - Engineer
John Naclerio - Vocal Engineer
Matchbook Romance - Main Performer
Aaron Stern - Drums
Judas DePaolo - Guitar
Judas DePaolo - Vocals
Ryan Kienle - Bass
Ryan Kienle - Guitar (Bass)
Ryan Kienle - Vocals
Andrew Jordan - Guitar
Andrew Jordan - Vocals
Matt Govaere - Art Direction
Matt Govaere - Design
David Palmer - Keyboards
Bob Lenz - Art Direction
Bob Lenz - Design
Larrabee East - Mixing

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Release Date: 09/23/2003
Genre: rock