This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
This year’s Sam Roberts.
No disrespect to Toronto singer-songwriter Matthew Barber, but that’s the first thing you think when you hear his major-label debut The Story of Your Life. Actually, you think that even before you hear it — mainly because the disc’s format (a six-song EP), cover pic (unshaven Barber on the right of the frame, looking off-camera) and even layout (small type, above and to the left of the picture) seem to have been blatantly, um, inspired by Roberts’ 2002 debut Inhuman Condition. Thankfully, Barber makes a more distinctive impression with his stylish pop-rock. Apparently raised on a steady diet of classic rock, Barber has a knack for crafting lightly crunchy radio-ready hooks with Beatles-like melodies and harmonies. He can rock it up enough to avoid being branded a sensitive boy, while still showing enough emotion to bring in the ladies — and he can even pull out the acoustic guitar and do a credible Bob Dylan ballad when he wants to. Doubtless you’ll be hearing plenty from Barber soon. And with good reason. So why not buy now and avoid the rush?
