Light'n Up

Best-known as the co-founder for shape-shifting heartland indie rockers Delta Spirit and super-group Middle Brother with John J. McCauley III of Deer Tick and Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Matthew Logan Vasquez's fiery delivery and thought-provoking lyrics draw from a huge and versatile well of influences, including Gram Parsons, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young, and Iggy Pop. He's also a solo artist and returns here with his third full-length effort following Solicitor Returns (2016) and Does What He Wants (2017). "One year ago, my family moved to Norway ahead of me, while I stayed behind in Wimberley, TX to make an album," explains Vasquez. "It was one of the loneliest months of my life. No family, no cat, just a ghost named Ladonna, and a couple friends here and there to buck me up. There's a lot in this one about sadness, struggle, and brokenness, but also about love, simplicity, and toughness. I named the album 'Light'n Up' because I see a silver lining in my sadness. It feels good to know you're at the bottom."