Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you haven't read the recent interview with Matty or you come to this project as a staunch fan of the mainstream hardcore band Memphis May Fly, which he fronts, you may well be bemused by the opener "Say It All", a piece of catchy electro pop with not a rock guitar in earshot. Considering hard music followers' disdain for bands and soloists who they consider have "wimped out", it was a brave move of Matty to make this pop side project. There's no cloaking the message with poetic metaphors on this album. The lyrics on "Brand New Fire" couldn't be more direct. "I am, I am saved" goes the hook while the middle eight declares "You are the way, the truth and the life." And if such bold declarations set to bubbly synth rhythms and pop ballads will make hipsters wince, that's not the cool enclave to which 'Unstoppable' is pitched. Matty's second solo album is clearly aimed at the 15 year old church youth group-goers and the 30-something soccer moms who listen to American Christian radio. Indeed the songs are as catchy, the production as sharp and the messages as clear as the Casting Crowns, MercyMe's, et al who dominate US Christian radio. Whether the conservative radio gatekeepers will programme a singer whose Memphis May Fly past and whose copious tats make him look like a moshpit favourite, even if on this release he doesn't sound like one, is a moot point. But as far as Cross Rhythms radio goes, expect to hear his peppy duet with Jordan Feliz on our airwaves real soon.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.