Matthew Squires is a truth-teller. Or he’s trying to be. Telling the truth is hard–next to impossible, really. All we can do is work tirelessly, fearlessly to try to tell the truth, attempting to convey our understanding of the world as we see it while considering how to reconcile all those perspectives we don’t understand. That’s what Matthew Squires is doing. And when a person tackles that, what comes out isn’t neat little nuggets of beauty. It’s something more raw and visceral. Last week, Squires celebrated his new album with a show at Cheer Up Charlie’s. The songs on the newly released Where the Music Goes Today wander through intensely confessional and deeply introspective lyricism. There are catchy hooks here and there and mournful melodies abound, but at their core, Squires is stripping away the music, forsaking the song and attempting to connect with us on a human level. He’s taking us where the music goes to die. Refreshed and invigorated by his honesty, I’m happy to be along for the journey.
Later in the night, violinist Marcus Rubio played a set of diverse, off-kilter pop tunes, including one strange old folk song full of swirling, wavering strings. Rubio’s out on tour now, but be sure to keep your ears open for a return show. Check out some photos of the night below.
All photographs © Bryan C. Parker & Pop Press International; all rights reserved. Click any image to open set in slideshow viewer.
