Mario Matteoli trades the raucous strings of former outfit the Weary Boys for seedier punk with the Joe Jacksons. The trio’s debut LP opens behind “We’re Not Alone,” which riffs raw into the psychedelic vamp of “Last Night With Jesus.” The frontman pleads and yelps catharsis against a heavy undertow of dread – “(Oh Lord) No More,” “Out of Touch (Radio)” – and even the calmer calamity of “No Love Will Be Lost” and “Love Is a Lifetime” unwind existential crises. Forever careens in search of some deeper meaning that never answers back, culminating in “It’s a Sin” emptying both love and Jesus as Black Joe Lewis slings guitar. The payoff lands in the cutting loose of “Let Me Eat Your Breakfast,” bruising in the maw of a wicked bassline and guitar crunch.

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This article appears in August 16 • 2019.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.