Bach On a Stick

Album Review

The next period film that wants a rock soundtrack would do well to include this hearty and versatile disc. Fun, sloppy, festive, dreamy, alternatingly irreverent, and respectful, this seven-song EP starts with a punch that, on occasion, softens to a gentle tap on the shoulder. Marty Matteson (who's all aces on the viola) clearly has a love for classical music, but refuses to let it stay dusty on the shelves. Reworking pieces from Bach, Telemann, and Leclair, Matteson and his merry men find new hooks in old places, with Chris Verne pounding justly on his drums, Everett Young on the keys, Justin Hughes on guitar, and bassman Tim DeLaney, who keeps the foundation secure (DeLaney, along with executive producers Brad Lewis and Zollie Maynard, are also part of Atlanta pop group the Sight-seers). The first two tracks are joyously engaging, with several other bright spots along the way. Clocking in at 33 minutes total, there are a few times where the ambience overpowers the structure and listeners may let a couple minutes go by undetected, but only to be yanked back into Ye Olde Ale House where the festivities continue. The final track, "Song of the Way," sticks out as the morning-after hangover — groggy, moody, and eventually thunderous. A unique release; perhaps what Mozart listened to in college.