Album Review: Jonah Matranga/Mikee J Reds - Countrysides

Engineer Records have released ‘Countrysides’ a split EP by Jonah Matranga and Mikee J Reds to coincide with the pairs forthcoming UK Tour. Each artist presents two new tracks for their side of the EP, and though both are known for being in bands (FAR and Call Off The Search respectively), Matranga is an old hand at this solo acoustic game. Acoustic split EPs often have the potential to disappoint, as there is often little to choose between the two artists. Thankfully, ‘Countrysides’ doesn’t have this problem, with Matranga offering up his trademark stripped-back sound, where Reds opts for fuller instrumentation.

Jonah Matranga opens the EP with ‘Sweet Life’. The song wouldn’t sound out of place on ‘Volunteers’, featuring Matranga’s familiar vocal gymnastics and jangly acoustic rhythms. The little reference to gardening in the lyrics is a heartening indication of the stage that the artist has reached in his life. ‘Secret World’ is a similar sounding track, utilising the same sounds and set-up. Both tracks are enjoyable, but they don’t represent Matranga’s best work by any means. If anything the tracks are lacklustre; nice, but not outstanding. That said compared with a lot of acoustic stuff, these tracks are still far superior.

Mikee J Reds’ side of the EP is quite the contrast. It’s much fuller in instrumentation, featuring keys and layered vocals and guitars. The overall feel of both tracks is that of a pop punk band doing acoustic versions of their songs. ‘Living Well’ is probably the better of the two tracks. It is uplifting and energetic, and a little more unique than second track ‘Old Skin’, which suffers from a case of musical confusion. It is reminiscent of Nu-metal’s attempts at acoustic tracks to start with, and then progresses into American Idiot-era Green Day. It’s an ok track overall, but nothing to write home about.

As a tour package, Jonah and Mikee are quite an exciting prospect, and there’s no doubt both acts will please in a live setting. Unfortunately, as an EP it’s a little below the mark. Whilst Reds is working to establish himself and ironing out some flaws, Matranga appears to be fobbing the listener off with some below par tracks. Attend one of the forthcoming shows, and perhaps get this as a souvenir. If you’re not hitting the shows, seek out full lengths instead.

3/5

'Countrysides' by Jonah Matranga/ Mikee J Reds is out now on Engineer Records.

Jonah Matranga: Official Website
Jonah Matranga on MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook
Mikee J Reds on Facebook,

Jonah Matranga and Mikee J Reds UK Tour dates can be viewed here.

Words by Dan Issitt