‘Wrist Slitter’, Matt Pryor’s third solo record, is done a slight disservice by its title. Take his word for it: “I was prepared to write a very sad album, a ‘wrist slitter’, but this album ended up being the exact opposite of that.”
It is, in fact, a mature, clever collection of songs, one that is as upbeat as anything the former Get Up Kids frontman has produced in some time. It’s not quite a ‘Get Up Man’ record, it features snatches of the folk sound that characterised Pryor’s earlier solo releases and also some of the lilting pop melancholy of the New Amsterdams, but at times it packs a satisfying wallop.
Since the Get Up Kids stopped being a full-time concern, Pryor’s career has been defined by its diversity. He’s capable of flitting between alt-rock, pop and Americana in barely the blink of an eye, and on ‘Wrist Slitter’ we see his full slate of influences.
Kinda Go To Pieces, Words Get In The Way and If I Wear A Disguise are a distortion pedal away from being Get Up Kids songs, while the title track’s short stay is contemplative and rootsy. Accompanied by a mournful cello on As Perfect As We’ll Ever Be and a straight-up pop-rock sound on Foolish Kids, Pryor dips a toe in waters popular with the New Amsterdams.
‘Wrist Slitter’ is a treasure trove for anyone who’s been taken in by Pryor’s many songwriting endeavours, offering a diverse, slightly ramshackle picture of a musician with plenty of inspiration left in reserve.
Fri February 14 2014 - SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
Sat February 15 2014 - KINGSTON Fighting Cocks
Sun February 16 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Bodega
Mon February 17 2014 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Cluny
Tue February 18 2014 - GLASGOW Stereo
Thu February 20 2014 - MANCHESTER Sound Control
Fri February 21 2014 - BRISTOL Exchange
Sat February 22 2014 - LONDON Borderline
Sun February 23 2014 - TUNBRIDGE WELLS Forum
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