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Peter Matuchniak: Destiny
Peter Matuchniak - Destiny CD Album Review

Peter Matuchniak: Destiny

Melodic Progressive Rock
4.5/5.0

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Melodic Revolution Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.03.2015

There's little doubt guitarist and composer Peter Matuchniak is a talented fellow. He returns with his second solo project, Destiny, published through Melodic Revolution Records.

Peter Matuchniak Band Photo

Peter Matuchniak (second from left)

Essentially, Matuchniak works from a melodic rock foundation, adds some progressive rock depth, and then applies his guitar wizardry. Listening to his guitar lines you can tell he takes a more traditional approach being influenced by Steve Hackett, Dave Gilmour, and others. In this sense, he has a keen sense of melody, harmony, and timing. His presentation can be brisk and sharp as within Chaos and Victory or smooth and effortless as found in Destiny and Spies. His compositions are eclectic and exploratory, rock, funk, and jazz meet in fusion. Yet the simple most basic thread in his music is the aforementioned melodic rock. Lyrically, there seems to be some theme around the albums title, Destiny. Matuchniak seems to be swaying somewhere between inevitable determinism (Product) and self-determinism (Island).

Yet, with all his talent and cleverness with guitar and composition, I found other elements of the album equally, if not a bit more, interesting. One is the vocal arrangements that include various male voices from the 'core four,' but also the addition of female vocals from Matuchniak's daughter Alyssa and French jazz singer Natalie Azerad. The women add a texture to the songs both sweet and ethereal. Notable are Spies and Island. A vocal feature that was not all that pleasing was the vocal spoken word narration that accompanies some songs; it seemed like needless trivia. Another element is Paul Mouradjian's keyboard play, especially when he dials down to the simplicity of piano. Within Product it has this real lively jazz feel that takes the edge of the songs inherent lyrical pessimism. But the main instrument is Matuchniak's guitar and it's fluid, innovative and masterful throughout. With little doubt, Destiny is another fine work of playful and entertaining melodic progressive rock from Peter Matuchniak and compadres. Easily recommended.

Peter Matuchniak - Destiny


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In Short

With little doubt, Destiny is another fine work of playful and entertaining melodic progressive rock from Peter Matuchniak and compadres. Easily recommended.

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