Matt Keating's fourth album
Killjoy is his strongest effort to date, capturing his fusion of classic singer-songwriter sensibilities and his inclination toward new wave melodies.
Killjoy is a cross between
Elvis Costello,
Neil Young,
R.E.M. and
Matthew Sweet; while
Keating isn't as lyrically astute as
Costello, as musically sharp as
R.E.M., as forceful as
Young, or as melodic as
Sweet, he nevertheless has a certain charm, particularly in the gritty passion with which he delivers his sweet hooks. It's clear that constant touring is improving his craft, since
Killjoy is more melodic, consistent and provocative than its predecessors, indicating that
Keating could develop into a songwriter of note. ~ Thom Owens