On Safe or Free, local troubadour Matt Epp’s fourth outing since 2005, he plays it free. Conceived in California, Newfoundland and everywhere in between, the beautiful collection of 12 road-worn tunes saturated with spiritual overtones display the uprootedness present in the pilgrim’s lifestyle. Epp’s outstanding songwriting and knack for warm, memorable melodies shine on songs like the vigorous time-signature changing Working Holiday, the soulful Crying In Mexico, the folky Travel By Ground and the melancholic country tune I Am The Wind. The standout track, however, is They Wont Find The Bodies – a dark, haunting duet with Brandy Zdan cast over a brooding, oscillating noise track. With Safe or Free, Epp has not only realized his best work to date, but also secured a place as front runner for best local release of the year.

Published in Volume 64, Number 14 of The Uniter (December 3, 2009)