Short Reviews [Peter Matuchniak - 2014 - "Destiny"]

I was working through something the other night when I realised, I had never actually reviewed Peter’s second album, which was released towards the end of 2014. Back then I was working on what would end up as TPU Vols 1-3, and all reviewing was put sadly to one side while I stressed through typing from poorly copied hard copy fanzines. It was obviously put to one side with the “I’ll get to it later” idea. Well, it is later… Over the years Peter and I have become friends, and I have been lucky enough to review many albums he has been involved with. Here he provides guitar and vocals and has brought together a core band of Scott Connor (drums, vocals – ex-Circa), Steve Bonino (bass, vocals) and Paul Mouradjian (keyboards). Given that I am also a great fan of Steve’s work, I knew this was going to be interesting, although even I was not sure what it was going to deliver. The reason for that, is Peter has a long history going back to seminal 80’s prog acts such as Mach One and is a hugely in-demand session musician while he personally has always been greatly influenced by Steve Hackett. This means that anyone looking for a straightforward prog album is very likely not only to be disappointed but quite surprised and probably quite critical. Those who are going to enjoy this album are those who are prepared to go in with no preconceived ideas whatsoever as we move from contemporary rock through jazz, prog, theatrical and even burlesque to create something which is fascinating and always changing. As well as the core band, Peter also utilised some of his live band and a special mention must be made of his daughter Alyssa as her vocals are sublime, and she can provide Floydian or torch as the need arises. If you want to play just one song to get an idea of the whole album, then I highly recommend “Oyster Club” which has some great picking from Peter and loads of different styles within. I also had to laugh at the really poor joke of someone saying they should become a fisherman and catch some bass (which should be pronounced b-ah-ss, not b-ace) and of course we then get some bass notes. I enjoyed this album as one never knows what is going to come next, but the musicianship is always top notch, and the music leaves a smile on the face and often that is what it is all about.