The Matches

This Oakland-based group churns out a heavy brand of punk-loving pop with lyrical arrangements that seem more self-aware and thought out than you would expect. The melodies stop and start, and vocalist Shawn Harris seems to alternate between meaty, well-enunciated choruses and clever one-liners.

For better or worse, the Matches join the long list of punk-pop bands that have made their
cliched mark on today's music scene. While this quartet has all the requisite sing-along
choruses, slashing guitar riffs, chunky bass lines and that "woe is me, love is hard" lyrical
approach, songs like "Dog-Eared Page," "Chain Me Free" and "Eryn Smith" push them beyond
easy dismissal. Add the autobiographical "More Than Local Boys," the ode to bac... More >