Matthew Ryan

Matthew Ryan is one of America’s most prolific songwriters. He has quietly gone about his work for ten years now, releasing 11 albums while sharing stories and stages along the way with Lucinda Williams, Jeff Klein and Tim Easton. Celebrated author Nick Hornby and songwriters Josh Rouse and Kasey Chambers are fans. Now Matthew returns with Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State, his most accomplished and visceral work to date. Every track was recorded live with few embellishments and even fewer edits, showcasing the sound of a brilliant writer fusing the passion, indignation, hopes and struggles of his characters with the intimacy and urgency of epochal cinema. Utterly human and wide-awake, this is music that feels, simply feels; a Scorsese film for the ears. MRVSS has all the spirit, heart, conscience and muscle that make rock and roll timeless. As forthcoming as Ryan is with his songs, on MRVSS there are deep layers bubbling underneath. But he does not sell, force or judge here. Instead, these are patient, elegiac songs, crafting a mood as much as a message. On MRVSS, what appears simple becomes epic. Throughout the eleven songs, Ryan’s successes are quietly stored, as are his failures. He is patient and persistent, intelligent and soulful, troubled and brave, political and spiritual. He is deeply honest and unabridged, providing an elegiac eye into his life that creates a 50 minutes opus showcasing one of the most relevant, credible and gifted artists we've had in quite some time. Gorgeous, troubling, soothing and pensive, these are songs for lovers, thieves, dreamers, drunks and anyone in contemplation. Life is its purest, most menacingly beautiful form. Enjoy. “[MRVSS] is another fine brick in Matthew Ryan's walkway that belongs on the same path with songwriters such as Steve Earle, Ryan Adams, and Lucinda Williams…a highlight for 2008.” – Glide “Stunning meditations on devastation, vulnerability and hope.” – Esquire Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State is out now on One Little Indian.