Mattador – ‘III’

(Frontiers Music)

There are albums that grab you instantly, albums that reveal themselves over time, and then there are albums like III by Mattador that sit somewhere in the middle. It's a solid melodic hard rock record that ticks a lot of the right boxes without ever quite becoming essential listening.

From the outset, III establishes itself as a polished and professional effort. The band clearly understands the fundamentals of melodic hard rock, blending muscular guitar work with memorable choruses and a modern production style. Everything sounds exactly where it should be. The guitars have plenty of crunch, the rhythm section provides a sturdy backbone, and the vocals deliver the material with confidence. The problem is that after several listens, relatively little truly stands out.

That's not to say the album is bad. Far from it. Mattador have crafted a collection of songs that are consistently enjoyable and easy to listen to. The melodies are strong enough to keep things moving, and the band demonstrates a good grasp of dynamics throughout the record. There are moments where the songwriting hints at something special, particularly when the group leans into more atmospheric territory or allows the arrangements a little extra room to breathe.

One of the album's strengths is its pacing. The running order flows naturally, and the inclusion of instrumental pieces helps break up the more traditional song structures. These moments provide a welcome change of scenery and prevent the record from becoming too repetitive. While neither instrumental is likely to become the centrepiece of the album, both serve their purpose well enough within the overall listening experience.

The musicianship is competent across the board, though perhaps not spectacular. Miguel Rodriguez’s guitar work is effective without becoming flashy, favouring song-oriented playing over technical showmanship. Some listeners may appreciate this restraint, while others might wish for a few more memorable solos or standout moments. Similarly, the rhythm section, Carlos Benitez (Drums) and Abraham Millett (Bass) do exactly what's required, locking everything together without drawing much attention to itself.

Vocally, is where the album is probably at its strongest. Mike Villegas’s performances carry a sense of conviction and emotion that helps elevate material that occasionally feels familiar. There are several passages where his delivery adds weight to songs that might otherwise blend into the surrounding tracks. Even so, the vocal hooks don't always linger in the memory once the album has finished.

Production-wise, III sounds contemporary and polished. The mix is clean and balanced, allowing every instrument its place without sacrificing impact. Some fans of classic hard rock may find the sound a little too slick, but it suits the band's style and ensures the album remains accessible. At times, however, that same polished approach works against the material, sanding away some of the rough edges and character that could have made the songs more distinctive.

The biggest issue facing III is that it rarely takes risks. Mattador seem content to operate comfortably within the boundaries of melodic hard rock, and while they execute the formula well enough, there aren't many surprises along the way. The album often feels like a collection of good ideas that never quite develop into great ones. It's consistently enjoyable but seldom exciting.

That said, there is definitely an audience for this kind of record. Fans who appreciate melody-driven hard rock with strong production values will likely find plenty to enjoy here. The album never descends into filler territory, and there is an obvious level of care and professionalism behind the performances. In an era where many releases feel rushed or overstuffed, there's something refreshing about a band delivering a straightforward, focused rock album.

‘Awake’ opens the album with purpose, delivering a strong introduction that immediately establishes Mattador's melodic hard rock credentials. A solid hook and confident performance make it an effective curtain raiser.

‘Black Water’ is darker in tone; it adds some welcome weight to the album. The atmosphere is one of its strengths, although the song doesn't quite reach the heights suggested by its promising opening.

‘Out For Blood’ provides one of the heavier moments on the record, it’s built around a driving rhythm and plenty of attitude. It's energetic and direct, even if the chorus feels a little familiar.

‘Say You'll Stay’, for me, this is the standout track on III. Everything comes together perfectly here, the melody, the emotion and the songwriting. The chorus is instantly memorable and the performance carries genuine heart. While the rest of the album contains plenty of strong material, this is the song I kept returning to long after the album had finished.

‘Levitate’ is a bright, uplifting track that showcases the band's knack for accessible hooks. While it may not be groundbreaking, it's one of the more instantly likeable cuts on the album.

‘Crawling’, the mood turns introspective as the band explores a more restrained dynamic. The arrangement is effective, and the vocal performance helps carry the song through its quieter moments.

‘Same Kind Of Crazy’, this is a fun, energetic number with a strong groove and plenty of confidence. It captures the band's strengths nicely, even if it doesn't offer many surprises.

‘Falling Backwards’ is one of the album's more interesting tracks, balancing melody with a slightly darker edge. The band sound fully engaged here, resulting in one of the more memorable performances.

‘Portal’, the first instrumental serves as a brief change of pace. It adds variety to the album and creates a natural break before the final stretch, though it feels more functional than essential.

‘Slow Down’ is a welcome return to the band's melodic side. The songwriting is solid and the chorus leaves a stronger impression than some of the surrounding material.

‘Moksha’, the second instrumental is more atmospheric than its predecessor and helps create a sense of transition towards the album's conclusion. It's an enjoyable interlude without overstaying its welcome.

‘No Way Out’, the closing track finishes the album on a suitably dramatic note. Strong performances and a sense of urgency make it a satisfying ending, even if it doesn't quite deliver the knockout punch some listeners may be hoping for.

Ultimately, III is a respectable effort that showcases Mattador's strengths without fully capitalising on their potential. It's the kind of album you'll happily play through from start to finish, even if you're unlikely to find yourself talking about it weeks later. There's enough quality here to warrant repeated listens, but not quite enough individuality to elevate it above a crowded field of similar releases.

A good album? Yes. A great album? Not quite. III lands comfortably in the middle of the road: enjoyable, well-executed, and occasionally impressive, but lacking the spark needed to make it truly memorable.

6/10

Essential Track – ‘Say You’ll Stay’

Review by Woody