If you got worried hearing there’s no real rock music anymore, it’s okay! The heart of rock and roll is alive and very well. Thankfully, there’s more than one way to throw down grit that harnesses the beat. I’ll be showcasing three rock artists here in October to prove it. Today I’m starting with Matt C. White’s Creepshow Peepshow: Act ll.
The opening of “Mr. Bloody Bones” feels like an old-school throwback with David Lee Roth slide-in vocal cool. That’s where the hair-metal comparison ends, as “Colt Killer” genetically connects to White’s North Carolina roots in its blues-driven guttural earthiness. It’s surreal in its anguished sonic depths. For anyone missing Kurt Cobain, guess what? Grunge lives. The brilliantly angst-driven “Cortizone Cream” couples memorable lyricism with transcendent musicianship. This track seems to be destined to land on the pandemic playlist of everyone silently screaming for connection.
“Spitting Venom” leads out of the five tracks. A fairly quick hit, its perfection is in knowing its strength is its brevity. The collection closes with “Revenge,” which harkens back to White’s North Carolina roots. Acoustic guitar, fuzzed-out vocals, and shredding electric guitar solos reminds listeners that we are in the master’s laboratory.
The five-song collection is a companion to 2021’s earlier Creepshow Peepshow: Act I. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, White is the lone performer here, making this impressive accomplishment all the more mind-bending.
My first exposure to White’s artistry came through his debut album wallow in the hollow., which is still part of my regular playlist. Creepshow Peepshow: Act 2 builds on that foundation. All I can hope for is that Jack White over at Third Man Records gets bit the way I have and wants to produce future work from Matt C. White! Until then, Creepshow Peepshow: Act ll is pure genius.–Lisa Whealy