Matches:Live at the House of Blues

Rating:
Summary: Awesome.
Review: The energy, intelligence and humor that made the Matches debut, "E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals" (Epitaph), the most immediate and exciting punk rock record of 2004, are amplified and brought to life on Kung Fu Records latest addition to their ongoing "The Show Must Go Off!!" DVD series, The Matches - Live at the House of Blues.

The band's masterful songwriting, that churns intensity, passion and wit into potent, catchy and vigorous anthems, is upped only by the raw energy of their explosive, no-frills live show. Captured here, the Matches sing, dance, and pound their way through a 40-minute set, filmed October 21, 2003 at the House of Blues on Sunset.

The extras on this DVD are fun and allow the viewer an intimate look the Matches most important qualities - their unadulterated excitement and joy. On the "Extra Footage" reel and the entertaining, comical, and at times self-deprecating commentary track, the four-piece from Oakland comes across as a group of close friends in love with what they're doing. Watching them interact with their well deserved and fervently loyal fan base is invigorating and refreshing. You can help but take a bit of their elation as your own.