Matt Andersen: The Hammer & The Rose Review
Canadian blues, americana, folk mainstay Matt Andersen’s latest album The Hammer & The Rose will drop on April 25th via Sonic Records. Andersen has been a fixture on the Canadian music scene for well over twenty years, starting with his work in a New Brunswick band, Flat Top, in 2002. Global notoriety would follow a series of self-released titles with a solo performer win at the 2010 International Blues Challenge, a 2013 European Blues Award, and multiple Maple Blues awards, including Entertainer of the year, Male Vocalist of the year, Recording/Producer of the year, and Songwriter of the year in 2024. These are well earned as Anderson has been a touring beast throughout the years, appearing in festivals, clubs, and theatres throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. His performing experiences include sharing stages and/or touring with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Gregg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, Tab Benoit, and more. His most recent release, 2023’s Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy, was nominated for a Juno award last year.
It was while touring for Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy that the genesis of The Hammer & The Rose took seed. Following one of the live shows, producer and drummer Joshua Van Tassel told Andersen that he particularly enjoyed the slower, quieter moments of the set. He suggested making an album with a similar pace to capture the mood. With that thematic vision, Andersen would write the tracks that would form The Hammer & The Rose and along with Van Tassel, Afie Jurvanen (acoustic guitar), Christine Bougie (lap steel), Aaron Comeau (keys), and Kyle Cunjak (acoustic bass) would bring these tracks to life as they recorded in a live ‘off-the-floor’ setting in Nova Scotia. Matt touched on this recording format on social media in February saying, “Last fall found me in the studio recording a new album. We kept it pure simple on this one. All the tracks were done live off the floor, no headphones, with all of us in the same room. Like the cavemen used to do. It was such a treat to record this way.”
The Hammer & The Rose consists of nine Andersen originals and a cover of JJ Cale’s “Magnolia,” which also appeared on Andersen’s 2006 album Live at Liberty House. In the press release for the single, “Magnolia,” Andersen tells how the song was more of an afterthought. “When the band first arrived at the studio, we got set up and just started jamming a bit,” says Andersen. “We needed to make sure everything was working before we started recording the next day. We gave ‘Magnolia’ a go and settled into a groove pretty quickly. On the last day of recording, we had some time and decided to lay this one down for real. I’ve always loved this song, and it fit right in with the vibe of the record.”
The vibe is fairly well encapsulated in the opening title track as it reflects on the struggle in relationships, balancing ‘The Hammer’ in your head versus ‘The Rose’ in your heart. Andersen presents a fair amount of mindful reflection themes with “Wayaheadaya,” an upbeat warning about over investing in relationships, “Countin’ Quarters” about the constant battle of financial ups and downs, and the heartfelt fatherly tribute “Always Be Your Son.” Andersen adds more tales of love and commitment in “Hold On To Me” about being there for someone when they’re losing grip, “Stay Home with You” about choosing a quiet evening with your special someone over all else, and the more upbeat thank you (for having my back) “You’re Here to Stay.” “Tonight Belongs to You” takes on a more personal touch about love as a touring artist in what is likely a tribute to the love of Andersen’s life. “The Cobbler (Good for My Sole)” brings a much lighter and more upbeat mood on what is predominately an instrumental song.
Those anticipating the follow-up to Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy will likely to be surprised with the stripped down sound of The Hammer & The Rose. What is not surprising is Andersen’s emotional songwriting, soulful vocals, and the intimate delivery of this production. The Hammer & The Rose will not inspire one to go tear up a dance floor. What it will provide is a nice reflective, mellow morning coffee vibe with real heart and soul.
The Review: 7.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– The Cobbler (Good for My Sole)
– You’re Here to Stay
– The Hammer & The Rose
– Wayaheadaya
– Magnolia
The Big Hit
– Wayaheadaya
