Matt DeAngelis - Livin' It
Indie, Alternative
New Jersey, U.S.
Overall Impression: From the first sunburst of sound, Matt DeAngelis’s “Livin’ It” feels like a time machine—one parked somewhere between 1970 and 1980, chrome gleaming under the glow of analog warmth. As always, DeAngelis proves himself a songwriter and producer with an artist’s ear for nostalgia and a craftsman’s hand for detail. His inspired creativity doesn’t just imitate the past—it inhabits it, channeling the radiant energy and melodic craftsmanship of classic rock and pop into something freshly sincere and deeply human. With “Livin’ It”, Matt DeAngelis doesn’t just revisit the golden era of rock-pop—he resurrects its spirit. His artistry lies not in imitation but in translation, transforming timeless influences into something that resonates vividly in the present. This track is a masterclass in balance: nostalgia without kitsch, polish without sterility, passion without pretense.
Strongest Point(s): “Livin’ It” arrives like a postcard from rock’s halcyon days—its edges slightly faded, its spirit entirely alive. The production bears that “older soul” DeAngelis is known for: tape-saturated warmth, guitars that crackle like vinyl under a needle, and a mix that breathes rather than bristles. Every frequency feels intentional, from the deep, grounded bass that anchors the song’s pulse to the jubilant piano progressions that gently pushes the track forward. The arrangement is lush without being crowded—a hallmark of Matt’s deft touch. Crunchy, overdriven guitars weave in and out, synth melodies add a whimsical sense of nostalgia, tasteful lead guitar flourishes spark across the arrangement, and the groove holds steady and sure. Each instrument plays its role with purpose, serving the song rather than stealing the stage, creating a soundscape that’s both rich and reassuringly familiar. As to be expected, the performances are equally captivating. Every line is sung with that blend of warmth and conviction that defined the great frontmen of the 70s and early 80s. There’s a touch of youthful exuberance in the tone, yet a knowingness in the phrasing that suggests wisdom earned. The vocal melodies climb effortlessly, carried by harmony layers that feel handcrafted, not machine-made. The guitar work injects melody at every turn—riffs that sing as much as the voice does, solos that feel conversational rather than showy. The rhythm section, meanwhile, moves like muscle and bone: the bass deep and resolute, the drums steady and unfussy, always serving the song’s forward motion. The lyrics are another standout, and true to the tracks title—they capture that elusive spark of simply being alive. It’s a celebration of the now, seen through the lens of someone who’s walked through both light and shadow. DeAngelis writes with an optimism that’s earned, not naïve—lines that lift the listener without glossing over the grit. The chorus, bursting with melodic confidence, feels like a rallying cry for anyone rediscovering joy in the everyday.
Target Audience Appeal: Lovers of classic rock and pop will find this to be a thoroughly worthwhile listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: Al Stewart, Christopher Cross, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Paul McCartney & Wings, Electric Light Orchestra, Traveling Wilburys, Peter Frampton, Seals & Crofts
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About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.