Album Review: Jim Matheos - First Impressions

By: Kevin McPherson (fates@istar.ca)
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First off, a bit of background. I don't remember when I first heard 
about Jim's solo project, or where really, perhaps in a magazine, 
maybe on the Net somewhere. Whatever the case I know I tried to find 
it at the local record store(s), but to no avail. They couldn't even 
order it in for me (this must have been a while back, maybe four 
years or so--since then an HMV outlet has opened and things are a 
bit better). I had a friend of mine at work who was going to Maine 
one year try to find it for me there, but all she found was an empty 
slot in the 'M's. At the time I had mixed feelings--at least they had 
had a copy at one time. But I was still without it. Even subsequent 
trips to Maine and Toronto myself left me empty-handed...it seemed it 
just wasn't a very easy release to find.

Well I finally have a copy and I don't think it's left my stereo 
since I got it. Kind of annoys me that I'm living in a place so far 
behind the times, but, as the saying goes, good things come to those 
who wait. Did I say good? I meant GREAT!! I had a few sound clips, so 
I knew what to expect, but there's nothing like the real thing. What 
a masterful display of acoustic work, and equally compelling violin! 
Each song is a beautiful composition, full of smooth transitions, 
quiet and moody, peaceful. Soothing. It's so unlike Fates Warning, 
yet still with that same feeling, the same emotional impact, the 
same quiet desparation. Being a guitarist, I suppose it's perhaps 
easy for it to appeal to me, but I can't help think anyone would and 
should like this work. There's so much splendid playing, so much 
fluidity and strength, that it speaks for itself as an instrumental 
masterpiece. I regret having waited so long to hear this, but on the 
other hand I'm ecstatic to finally have a chance to drink it in. It's 
mature, subtle, complex music like this that gives me hope that 
there's a future for great musicians and great bands in an otherwise 
pop-influenced culture. The first track, "Remembering Rain", is 
utterly incredible--Charlie Bisharat, besides being a wonderful 
musician in his own right, really shows how talented and 
multi-faceted a songwriter Jim is. There are so many moments during 
FI where I literally hold my breath, waiting...I don't think any 
single piece of music has ever moved me so much. Beautiful work. It 
really hit me recently during a rather depressed phase last week when 
I had the rare opportunity to be alone, crank the headphones, and 
really listen, and concentrate, and let the music flow through 
me...it was quite the experience, one I'll remember for a long time.

If you're out there and you ever read this, thanks Jim.
Kevin