You’d be hard pressed to find a record title which matches its content more accurately. Singer - songwriter Matt Shwachman’s sophomore effort sounds remarkably fresh and innovative in this, the eighth year of the artistically / culturally vapid / vacant decade of American Idol and Rock Star. Shwach (that’s his nickname) is obviously a student of classic pop song-craft (i.e. he can compose a melodic tune that grabs you in a simple verse/chorus) which is not as easy as it sounds. Though his lyrics are the standard stuff of love lost, love found, and love unrequited - Shwachman’s arrangements are an explosive mix of funk, reggae, techno, soul and art-rock rendered by dexterous posse of sidemen. Uplifting and danceable there’s nary a wasted note on this collection, whether the artist ruminates of travels through Australia (“Side of the Road” - dig the forced twang in his vocal delivery) or celebrates the simply joys of life (“Dying to Feel Alive”) or toys with a bit of glam rock bravado (“Floating”). Let’s forget the ‘00s ever happened and start over with Uncharted Territory.
--Tom Semioli [July 22, 2008]
