Australian rock journalist and guitar player, Joe Matera, combines his love of straight out, balls-to-the-wall rock 'n' roll with a laid back Satriani-esque bluesiness that manages to capture a nostalgic bygone era of rock that was. If you grew up in the 1980s listening to AC/DC and The Angels (aka Angel City) then this may be an interesting – yet brief – nostalgic trip down memory lane. There are no pretensions: the CD EP has a fun, almost satirical humor to it making the most of what rock and roll is all about. Guest guitar performances from The Angels' Rick Brewster - a pillar of the Australian rock scene - and Mick McConnell from legendary UK band Smokie, add further dimension to a nice, multi-sided gem that pays tribute to a time when modern rock music still had its innocence.

The contained video clip “Face Off” has a retro, 1980s feel with regards the use of content and TV-grade bleeding of color. Footage of Matera is interspersed between (and over) a continuous run of highway driving film. There are some simple – yet effective – visual effects of graphic equalizer displays overlaying the driving and live shots, and a meaty rock vibe. There appears to be almost no footage of Matera’s band mates, even though some of the footage looks to be taken during an onstage performance but this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. All in all, it is a creative effort and fun to watch!

Joe Matera’s CD EP has some fine moments, reflections – if you will – of a time in rock true to itself and simply being what it is, not claiming to be what it’s not. As a known journalist in Australian music circles, penning pieces for the likes of “Australian Guitar Magazine,” he brings a well-read understanding of music in all its forms to his craft and – instead of throwing his hat in the competition ring – he manages to create something nostalgic, yet original, with a narrative that has a unique character. The outcome is never over-bearing; it has a palate of subtlety and flavor that is a welcome experience to the listener.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

With a solid, four to the floor rhythm this 30-second introduction has a tasty smacking of Angels and AC/DC  Australiana. It’s short, sharp and to the point. A brief introduction, a no-nonsense guitar solo and it’s over. There’s no time wasting, just hitting the mark and moving on.