Open Minds That Fight Disguises

I was perusing the latest newsletter from ToneVendor when I literally did a double take. According to them, Eric Matthews has a new album out. It’s been 6 years since we last heard anything from Mr. Matthews, such that I’d almost given up hope that we’d ever hear anything from him ever again. However, a quick web search has confirmed the happy news.

Matthews’ latest album, Six Kinds Of Passion Looking For An Exit, has just been released on Empyrean Records, and will be officially hitting stores on March 8th. You can find a short sample from the new album here (it’s the third track on the dial), and it’s immediately recognizable, what with the glorious horn arrangements and Matthews’ breathy croon. You can find more info on the record here (according to the press release, Matthews

And the good news doesn’t stop there. According to Matthews’ own website, a Cardinal reissue is in the works. For those of you who don’t know, Cardinal was a shortlived project between Matthew and Richard Davies (The Moles). The duo released just one self-titled album before succumbing to internal strife, and AFAIK, it’s become fairly difficult to find (I was lucky enough to find a copy on vinyl, and in good condition to boot).

In addition to being remastered, the reissue will also contain 11 bonus tracks and sport brand new packaging (including an essay by Matthews and Davies). No word on an official release date, but it’ll probably be sometime this summer.