Today I’m looking into an album self-released by Matt Roller, a multi-instrumental DIY punk rocker hailing from Portland, Maine. Matt’s been making music since he was young, but he’s only now really starting to put his material out there in a big way. I’ve got to say, I’m thrilled he’s made this move.
This album is a deeply personal journey. Matt opens up about his own struggles, goes into a bit of nostalgia, and wraps it all up in some seriously great punk rock. Matt’s DIY approach really shines through in every track.
What really stands out to me is how Matt manages to balance the personal with the universal. He’s talking about his own experiences, sure, but he does it in a way that I think a lot of people will relate to. Whether it’s the struggles of addiction, the bittersweet pull of nostalgia, or the frustration with the state of the world, Matt’s tapping into some pretty universal themes here.
So now, let’s take a closer look at what he’s brought us with this release.
The album kicks off with gusto, diving straight into the title track “Basement Songs.” From the get-go, we’re treated to a nostalgic nod that’ll make older fans grin – a clever sample reminiscent of the classic Dragnet series, hinting at the true-to-life tales we’re about to hear. It’s a smart move that sets the stage for the personal journey this record promises to take us on.
As the sample fades, a guitar riff emerges, crisp and inviting. It’s accompanied by some seriously impressive drum work – a rolling percussion that just sounds fantastic. The opening words hit home for many in the punk community. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, echoing the experiences of countless individuals who found solace and identity in the genre during their formative years.
Myself being one of them, and that is, punk rock saved me. It’s clear from these opening moments that we’re in for a ride through memory lane, guided by someone who’s lived and breathed the punk ethos. This track really strikes a chord with me. The way it delves into the role of music, especially punk rock, as a form of release and self-expression is spot on.
I can’t help but nod along as the Matt talks about those shared experiences – meeting friends, his wife, and jamming out in basements. It takes me right back to my own past, and I find myself relating hard to these memories. The vocal work in the chorus is really impressive. There’s a quality to it that adds something special to the song’s overall feel.
When the lyrics shift to the singer’s current life as a father, it hits home. That contrast between then and now, and the pull of nostalgia, it’s something I think a lot of us grapple with. I know I’ve asked myself if my best days are behind me, even though I know that’s not true. It’s just that those memories are so vivid and cherished, you can’t help but wonder.
I’ve got to say, this opening track is doing a fantastic job. The drums in particular are really standing out to me – they’re adding so much to the song’s energy. It’s setting up the album beautifully.
“Gratitude” hits hard from the first note. Matt doesn’t mess around – it’s full-throttle punk rock energy right out of the gate. When I heard that first screamed “sunrise,” I thought, “This could be my new wake-up alarm.” It’s got that raw, in-your-face intensity that I love in punk music.
The guitar work really stands out to me.
Despite the fast, heavy opening, there’s a clever structure to the melody. I noticed these ascending and descending sections throughout the song that give it a great flow. What’s even better is how Matt’s vocal melody syncs up with the guitar lines. It creates this cohesive sound that makes the whole track feel tight and well-crafted.
I really dig those brief pauses where everything just simmers down for a moment. It’s a smart choice, especially considering what Matt’s singing about. The song tackles the topic of gratitude for sobriety, and those quieter moments seem to reflect the ups and downs of that journey. To me, this song feels like it’s coming from someone who’s been through the wringer with addiction but has found their footing.
It’s like Matt’s saying, “I’ve got people in my corner, I can do this, and things are going to get better.” There’s an acceptance there, a thankfulness for the present, and hope for the future. The way Matt expresses these heavy themes through such a high-energy track is really effective. It’s like the music itself is a celebration of that hard-won sobriety. This one really got to me – it’s powerful stuff, and definitely one of my favorites on the album so far.
“Not Now” comes in hot and fast, barely hitting that one-minute mark. But don’t let its brevity fool you – this track packs a serious wallop. It’s a perfect example of why I love punk rock. Matt shows us that you don’t need to drag things out to make your point. He’s channeling those old school punk bands that knew how to get in, hit hard, and get out.
In just shy of 60 seconds, Matt manages to deliver a complete thought, unleash a torrent of energye. It’s like a quick jab to the gut – sharp, effective, and straight to the point. This song is a reminder of punk’s roots. It’s not about fancy production or long-winded solos. It’s about raw emotion, speed, and saying what needs to be said without any fluff.
“Not Now” is like a concentrated blast of frustration aimed at everything that’s messed up in the world. Matt’s managed to create a song that could fit into pretty much any era, which is both impressive and a bit depressing when you think about it. He takes aim at the corrupt political system, the broken structures we’re all trapped in, and the people who are just out to line their own pockets.
As I listened, I could feel that sense of helplessness and rage building up. Matt touches on all those hot-button issues we’ve been dealing with the past few years, and he does it in under a minute. That’s skill. As a millennial, this song hit home hard. I’ve lived through way too many “once in a lifetime” events, and like Matt, I’m just done with it all. The fury and pent-up rage in his voice – man, I get it.
The ending of the song is just perfect. After all that screaming and anger, Matt switches back to his normal voice for those last few lines about being too old for this. I couldn’t help but laugh and nod along. It’s like he’s saying what we’re all thinking, and doing it in such an amusing way by going from screaming coming to just gentle talking of saying, I’ve really had enough of this come on can we stop now please.
This track is short, but it packs in so much. It’s a rant, a critique, and a moment of shared frustration all rolled into one. Matt’s nailed that feeling of being fed up with the state of things, and I’m right there with him.
“Dark Eyes” brings a change of pace to the album with its catchy riff. Matt’s dialed back the intensity a bit here, leaning more into a pop punk vibe. I’m really digging the variety he’s showing throughout this record. Even though the song’s got a somewhat upbeat feel to it, there’s this underlying somber tone that I can’t shake. It’s like Matt’s created this contrast between the music and the mood, and it works really well.
To my ears, this track seems to be all about conflict. Matt’s songwriting shines here, balancing the lighter musical elements with heavier themes. I’ve got to say, I’m loving every song on this album so far, and “Dark Eyes” is no exception. They’ve all been top-notch, and I can’t praise the variety enough. Matt’s showing he’s got range, moving from your garden variety punk to this more melodic style without missing a beat.
This song stands out to me because it showcases a different side of Matt’s musical abilities. He’s proving he can do more than just fast and aggressive – he can craft these more nuanced, layered tracks too. The way Matt’s mixing different punk subgenres throughout the album is impressive. It keeps things fresh and interesting, and “Dark Eyes” is a perfect example of that.
“Not Alone” featuring Mark Roller closes out the album, and wow, what a way to end it. Matt’s thrown us something great here, dipping into more of a folk punk style. The acoustic elements really shine through on this track. I’ve got to say, this song is just gorgeous. The writing, the melody, the vocals – it all comes together perfectly.
As I’m sitting here listening, I’m thinking this might be my favorite track on the album. Of course, that could change depending on my mood or what day it is, but right now, “Not Alone” is hitting all the right notes for me. It’s impressive how Matt’s managed to cover so much ground on this album. We’ve gone from hard-hitting punk to this more mellow, introspective sound, and he nails it every time.
“Not Alone” really dives deep into those heavy emotions. Matt’s gives us this look of someone who’s stuck in a rut, going through the motions day after day. I can almost see this person waking up, facing the same old struggles, maybe turning to a bottle for comfort, and just feeling trapped in this endless cycle.
What really gets me is how Matt acknowledges this situation. It’s like he’s holding up a mirror to a lot of people’s experiences. But he doesn’t leave us in that dark place.The turning point of the song, where Matt realizes he’s not alone – that’s powerful stuff. It’s like watching someone take that first, crucial step towards change. You can almost feel the weight lifting as the song progresses.
I think a lot of people will relate to this track. We’ve all had times where we felt stuck or alone, and hearing someone put those feelings into words, and then show a way forward – that’s impactful. The way Matt’s crafted this song, building up to that moment of realization and hope, it’s just masterful. He’s managed to wrap up some really heavy themes in a way that feels authentic and ultimately uplifting.
Ending the album on this note feels right. It’s like Matt’s taken us on this story through all these different emotions and experiences, and we end up here, with this message of hope and connection. It’s a beautiful way to bring everything full circle.
His decision to release his music on a bigger scale is absolutely the right move. This stuff is pure gold, and it deserves to be heard by a wider audience. I’ve got to be honest, this is the most impressive work I’ve heard from a DIY artist in a long time. There’s just so much to love about this record. The raw energy, the variety in styles, the deeply personal lyrics – it all comes together to create something really special.
What strikes me most is how authentic it all feels. He’s not trying to be anyone else or fit into some pre-defined box. He’s just putting his heart and soul out there, and it shows in every track. From the punk rock fury of the opening tracks to the more calm folk punk of the last song, Matt’s shown he’s got range. But more than that, he’s shown he’s got something to say, and he knows how to say it in a way that really connects.
I’m genuinely excited to see where he goes from here. If this record is any indication, he’s got a bright future ahead of him. I’ll definitely be keeping an ear out for whatever he does next. For anyone who hasn’t heard this album yet, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a reminder of why I fell in love with punk rock in the first place
