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Matuchniak, Peter: Uncover Me

Melodic/Progressive Rock

4.0/5.0

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Progrock Records
by Craig Hartranft,  04.09.2012

Though it's easy to struggle with his name, his music offers no such problem, only delightful and sophisticated melodic rock with obvious prog nuances. Peter Matuchniak has been active in music 30 years or better, part of the California neo-prog movement back in the day, yet Uncover Me is his first solo project.

Peter Matuchniak: can hold up a wall with one foot.

Perhaps the most notable thing this album, though it is centered around Matuchniak's guitar playing, he's not the central element here. He put equal, if not more, effort in the melody and composition. Sure, Matuchniak can play guitar, but there's no frenetic or elusive quality to it, merely creative and effective.

The signature expression of the depth of composition, and Matuchniak as integral player, come on the two pieces closest to prog, Falling Ash and Rising, the two parts of Burning Landscape. In between there's the addition of some rather deft saxophone work from Conor Jonson on several songs, most notable Across the Pond and Down in New Orleans. For pure melodic rock accessibility Running Back to You is primo material, and vocalist Natalie Azerad's best performance.

Overall, Peter Matuchniak's Uncover Me is a versatile and delightful platter of melodic progressive rock, created by a talented and inventive musician. Easily recommended.

Peter Matuchniak's Uncover Me is a versatile and delightful platter of melodic progressive rock, created by a talented and inventive musician. Easily recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]