Reviews

Matt Pearce & the Mutiny: The Soul Food Store Review

Matt Pearce & the Mutiny’s The Soul Food Store is funky blues and familiar hard rock presented with a lot of flash and great energy, a fun guitar-centric album with some captivating moments.

Pearce is probably best known for his work in Voodoo Six, although this is his second solo album. His solo debut, Gotta Get Home, showed some promise, and he realizes that promise on The Soul Food Store. Pearce sounds relaxed on his follow-up album, using a bigger sound and catchier songwriting. There’s a bit of a party element to the tracks, with Pearce and his band sounding like they’re having a good time.

Pearce also effectively uses a horn section to give tracks another gear. “From Here to the Moon” is a big groove augmented with some nice, and surprising saxophone. The song skips along, Pearce only breaking stride to unleash a solid slide guitar solo, equal parts glam and Delta blues. “King of the World” similarly uses a strong horn section, as well as Pearce’s confident vocals, which give the song a charming slither.

While those songs rock, Pearce also plays with other styles. “Promised Land” recalls “Smooth,” Carlos Santana’s collaboration with Rob Thomas. Both share a Latin rhythm, and Pearce deploys some guitar pyrotechnics. “Bring It All to Me,” is more gentle, based upon piano, sounding a bit like an ’80s power ballad. My initial urge was to call both tracks guilty pleasures, but it’s an unfair characterization. Why should anyone feel guilty enjoying a song? The fact that it’s based upon a popular style doesn’t make it any less pleasurable.

Pearce and his band have come back strong with their follow-up. Pearce’s guitar work is spot on, as you would expect from a player of his talents, but he’s also using his voice well, too. He might not ever be known for his singing, but he’s a compelling front-person, owning the material, and the listener, on every track, not sounding like a guitarist who happens to sing. On The Soul Food Store, you get a better sense of his solo identity: as the singer for a tight band; one that happens to know his way around the guitar. Pearce hinted at moments like this on his debut, and the Mutiny deliver on that promise here. It’s familiar blues rock, but performed with a lot of panache.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– King of the World
– From Here to the Moon
– Bring It All to Me
– Promised Land

The Big Hit

– Promised Land

 

Steven Ovadia

Steven Ovadia interviews blues artists about their songwriting process for Working Mojo.

7 thoughts on “Matt Pearce & the Mutiny: The Soul Food Store Review”

  • WernonDonski

    The last time I walked into the Soul Food Store, I was expecting a variety of delicious foods and a unique atmosphere, but instead I was disappointed. Nothing caught my attention and I didn’t feel excited to try anything. Perhaps this is not for me, I thought, and went to the store for keto ready meals. There I found exactly what I needed – delicious and nutritious meals that fit my lifestyle. For me it was the best choice!

    Reply
  • maxderson

    The last time I walked into the Soul Food Store, I was expecting a variety of delicious foods and a unique atmosphere, but instead I was disappointed. Nothing caught my attention and I didn’t feel excited to try anything. Perhaps this is not for me, I thought, and went to the store for keto ready meals. There I found exactly what I needed – delicious and nutritious meals that fit my lifestyle. For me it was the best choice!!!

    Reply
  • “Matt Pearce & the Mutiny: The Soul Food Store” is pure groove and soul every track feels like a live jam session packed with energy and emotion. Pearce’s guitar work is phenomenal, and the band chemistry is spot-on. It’s the kind of album you put on when you want something real and rich, like a good meal for the soul. Now if only the Wetherspoons drinks menu had something that pairs this well with blues-rock vibes

    Reply
  • Matt Pearce & the Mutiny deliver a vibrant, feel-good blues rock album full of energy and catchy moments that is sure to be a fun listen for fans of the genre. If you like to pair good music with a quick browse, check out Costa’s price list here: http://www.costamenu.uk for a refreshing break.

    Reply
  • Matt Pearce & the Mutiny have created a lively blues rock album with lots of energy and memorable songs. This is a must listen for anyone who loves upbeat rock and blues music. If you enjoy relaxing with good music, you can also check out the latest Costa menu and prices at http://www.costamenus.co.uk while enjoying your favourite drink.

    Reply
  • Great review! The album sounds packed with energetic blues rock, catchy songwriting, and impressive guitar work from Matt Pearce. While enjoying great music, you can also check out the Greggs Hot Drinks Menu Prices to pair your listening session with a warm drink.

    Reply

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