Music Review: Matt Hillyer, ‘Bright Skyline’
The veteran Americana artist gives us an album of grounded, insightful Texas songwriting on his latest release.
Matt Hillyer’s Bright Skyline album artwork.
Are Texans just born with the innate ability to write songs? That was one of the first thoughts in my head as I played Matt Hillyer’s new record, Bright Skyline, over and over, letting it all sink in. The immense appeal of this album lies in its universality; Hillyer’s honest, relatable songs all share one goal of writing about his life, which at its essence is not much different from yours and mine.
The first two songs show how naturally the sounds of traditional country work with humor. “What Are You Doing Now” starts out in a sincere tone, expressing selfless hope that his former lover is happier, but as the song progresses his facade falls and he asks if she’s open to talking. (One could imagine an adult beverage aided this transition).
In “Moving Away,” he doesn’t try to hide his feelings. Those neighbors who obviously never heard of the concept of “peace and quiet” are finally moving out, and life is about to get a lot better. The song’s intro turns it into a three-dimensional experience, and the production helps the listener visualize how messy their yard is.
Hillyer can get serious and reflective, too. He’s honest about the realities of having a partner active in the music scene on “Did She Ever Want To Live Like This,” a dose of reality for anyone in a similar situation, chasing something that’s never-ending. The low-toned guitar adds a strikingly sobering quality.
“Bright Skyline,” the title track, has a very deliberate and cautious tone. Each line of lyric is laid out carefully by Hillyer and the production is arranged in a way to make sure the listener hears every word. He knows those shiny lights are very attractive from the outskirts of town, but the realities behind those lights might not be as hospitable as you’ve been led to believe.
On a more optimistic note, “If I Don’t Have You” is as old school Texas country as it gets—a classic dance-floor-filling love song perfect for those committed to each other for life. Don’t be surprised if you hear it at the next wedding you attend, or your grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary party.
Hillyer shows his fun, loving side on “Honey Do Blues,” a laid-back song about marriage. The instrumentation puts listeners on a beach in Hawaii, which could either be interpreted as hinting where he actually wants to be on a relaxing day off, or just a musical expression of how much he loves making his wife happy.
Matt Hillyer. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Hillyer has a knack for asking simple questions in his songs that provide a glimpse of a different outlook on aspects of life. On “Even An Angel” he gives those who are sent to save us their own layers of vulnerability. The production’s slightly darker feel helps paint a picture of them finding quiet, low-lit places to take small moments for their own issues. The song asks: Who is taking care of them?
The album’s closer, “A Daily Fight,” starts with a powerful, perspective-shifting question: What would you do if you couldn’t be mad at the people who don’t know your name? It then shares a message about not sweating the small stuff, and just trying to get through the day.
Bright Skyline will make you feel like you stepped into a backwoods honkytonk where the only security is the reliable human decency of everyone there. You’re at the bar nursing a beer and Hillyer and his band are performing on the slightly raised stage in the corner, singing songs that speak to everyday life in a way everyone can relate to. It’s hard to get more real, more grounded, and more country than that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Ellis.
Andy Ellis has been spotlighting indie music for over 10 years and is always looking for that next great band. When he’s not listening to music he’s reading, writing, and listening to podcasts about it. He also hosts the Melodic Noise Insider podcast covering Minnesota’s expansive music scene.
