by Daniel Warren Hill
Washington, DC-based songstress Maryjo Mattea just released “Candlelight and Roses”, which simultaneously evokes classic ’60s “wall of sound” vibes and early aughts pop punk feels. Complete with hand claps, Jerry Lee Lewis style piano, and Shangri-Las inspired backing vocals, this throw-back number is a song for the cynics. “The last thing the world needs is another tortured love song,” Mattea sings, and yet that’s what she’s produced–a snarky anthem for anyone who’s ever been fed up with modern courtship.
In its June 14th premiere, Hometown Sounds referred to it as “dark, cynical and yet still sweetly adorable.” You can read their full review at https://hometownsoundsdc.com/2019/06/14/maryjo-mattea-candlelight-and-roses
It’s understandable that Hometown Sounds would jump at the chance to premiere Maryjo’s latest track. In 2016, when they premiered “Getting Over You” from her debut EP Four Minute Symphonies, they rightfully pointed out that Maryjo “has the charisma and the songwriting chops to rise above lesser singers and develop a substantial following”, which she has proven in a short time.
The track provides some interesting credits as well. the concept for the artwork came from the mind of Joshua Hunter, who played guitar for recording of “Candlelight and Roses”. Joshua recently released a track called “Turing Test” via his solo project, Endless Winter. The photography and design work was done by Eamonn Donnelly, who also plays bass on “Candlelight and Roses”.
If you can’t get enough, you can follow Maryjo Mattea on Spotify or even purchase her full discography from Bandcamp.
Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, writer, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the frontman for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band YellowTieGuy, as co-founder of Capitol Groove Collective, and increasing the exposure of artists on a global scale through his work with Alchemical Records.
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Early in pandemic times, Dar Williams faced the uncomfortable truth that her career as a world-touring musician had stalled. While locked down—along with the rest of us—the singer-songwriter opened up virtual photo albums to recall trips to domestic cities and foreign lands to which she brought her unique music-set poetry.
“I was going through my photos online and I got this case of FOMO—envy for this person who has traveled all over the world,” Williams said recently, “and I was like ‘oh, my god, it’s me!’
Now I’m telling myself [to] take the day to appreciate whatever city you’re in.
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
