Phillyist Reviews: Matt White

Last night, I set my DVR to record at least six different shows and then headed out to the North Star Bar. I was a bit irked that I had to miss Grey's Anatomy, but I knew it was still going to be there when I got home. It seems the rest of Philadelphia didn't want to risk not knowing what happened to Meredith Grey because there was no one at the North Star Bar. Okay, so I can't say no one, but not more than 30 people showed up. 30 people!!! Matt White should not be playing for just 30 people.

Apparently, the North Star Bar performance was his fourth for the day. After he told us that, I thought I was going to hear a strained voice, a tired band and a boring set. So I was definitely surprised when his voice sounded better live than recorded, and his band was fun and energetic. His set consisted of six or seven pop/acoustic songs from his upcoming album, Do You Believe. It was not more than 40 minutes. Perfect for my attention span. Not too long, but not too short, either.

His most memorable song, "Wait For Love," is featured in the TV shows One Tree Hill and What About Brian. His lyrics in all of his songs seem to directly deal with falling in love, staying in love, and/or heartbreak. Seems like Matt has got love on the brain. His other singles, "Best Days" and "Love," were also highlights of his performance.

I walked away with a poster, sticker, and his four-track single of "Best Days" for free. I instantly put his single into my stereo on my way home and listened to his songs again. Each one of them is catchy and fits the pop-love song mold. I am definitely buying his CD this upcoming May; I'm interested in listening to his other songs and seeing what else he can come up with.

I think the downfall of his performance was his audience and venue, but not his music. One day he will be performing in front of huge audiences that will be screaming his name. He'll have to wait a couple of months until his music and name are mainstream, but it will happen. For now, impress your colleagues at work by introducing them to one of Rolling Stone's Top 10 musicians to watch of 2006. Rolling Stone equated him to the next James Blunt. I would have to agree with them.

Apparently everyone else in Philadelphia already knows what really happened to Meredith Grey, but I got the best of both worlds: I saw an amazing concert, and I'll have something to do on a Friday night.

Image via Matt's official site