Sometimes, an album resonates with you without an obvious reason why. That's the experience I had with Matt Geiser's "Vinyl Scars". After several listens, I realized that the appeal of the album lay not in any single element, but rather in its raw, genuine spirit. It exudes a compelling energy that says, "I'm gonna make a damn record!" It's a sentiment that brings a comforting familiarity, stirring up a rooting interest for this record that seems to wear its heart on its sleeve.
Finding the Sound:
"Vinyl Scars" stands as a testament to the power of collaborative creativity, showcasing a rich tapestry of individual talents seamlessly woven together. Matt Geiser, the lead force behind the album, lends his multiple talents as a singer, bassist, songwriter, and music producer to the project. His multifaceted skills enabled him to write, perform, record, and produce his own material, imbuing the album with his distinct musical fingerprint.
Sharing this creative journey with Matt is his close friend and co-writer, Brian Whitman, known online as @tenandtwo. Brian composed and recorded all guitar parts on the album, his substantial contribution bringing depth and dynamism to the tracks. His influences are present throughout the record, echoing in every guitar note and chord progression.
The collaborative force behind "Vinyl Scars" further extends to Danni Geiser and Bryan Gibson. Danni, Matt's wife, composed and performed the harmonies for several tracks, imbuing them with a unique richness that enhances the album's emotional resonance. On the other hand, Bryan Gibson’s cello composition and performance on the track "Absolution" added a classical touch, providing a beautiful contrast to the album’s dominant rock vibe.
One of the standout aspects of the 'Vinyl Scars' project is Matt Geiser's distinct sound. He describes it as a blend of alternative progressive/grunge rock, a tribute to his broad range of influences spanning from 60's acid rock, 70's prog rock, to 90's grunge. His music is a delicate balance, nostalgic yet fresh, a balance further tipped by explorations into genres like disco and blues, particularly evident in his bass lines. This distinct sound, molded by Matt's eclectic musical interests and refined by his versatile skill set, serves as a compelling testament to his artistic individuality.
Influences and Inspirations:
A connoisseur of classic rock albums from the 60's through the 90's, Matt has a special affinity for vinyl records. It's clear that he wears his influences on his sleeve, with echoes of The Doors, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Jefferson Airplane, and Warren Zevon making their way into his vocal styles. Moreover, the undeniable talent of lead vocalists and bass players such as Jack Bruce, Geddy Lee, and Sting inspires Matt to continually strive for excellence in his vocal and bass performances.
Bass Guitar Prowess:
For Matt, it was the sound of John Paul Jones's bass that made him take notice of Led Zeppelin and sparked his desire to learn the bass. He also has a fondness for Tony Visconti's basslines, particularly on Bowie's early albums like "The Man Who Sold the World". These influences help shape his own sound, but Matt also looks to contemporaries like Bobby Sheehan from Blues Traveler, aspiring to compose and play basslines of that caliber.
"Vinyl Scars" stands as a testament to Matt Geiser's love for music and his commitment to creating a sound that's authentic and compelling. His dedication to his craft is evident in every track, and his influences from classic rock's golden years shine through while never overshadowing his unique style. This album serves as a reminder of the power of music to comfort, to energize, and to tell a story. It's raw, it's real, and it's a journey that's well worth taking.