The Wonderfool (Matt Vinson of CAAMP) Releases ‘Shiner' Album
Above: ‘Shiner’ Cover Art
The Wonderfool Releases Fourth Studio Album
Shiner
Today via Gjenny Records
Music Video for Album’s Sophomore Single
“Time (Done Being Late)”
Also Out Today
NASHVILLE, TN (August 11, 2021) — The Wonderfool — the recording project of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Matt Vinson — has released his fourth full-length studio album, Shiner, via Gjenny Records. The album is available digitally on all DSPs as well as physically, on cassette and vinyl. Stream or purchase Shiner here.
Also arriving today is the music video for “Time (Done Being Late)”, the sophomore single from the album. “I hope the song and video reminds you to keep moving forward — though always reminiscing on loved ones and cherished memories from the past,” says Vinson. “In using my own clips I've taken throughout the years, this video makes me laugh and cry both tears of joy and sorrow.”
Notably one third of the chart-topping folk group CAAMP, Vinson was stuck indoors by the pandemic after the band had to cancel their touring plans. Vinson found himself with ample time on his hands and turned that isolation into an opportunity to create something new: a combination of modern folk melodies, forward-thinking production, and lyrics about fighting off one's inner demons.
The nine-track Shiner is a soundtrack for early mornings and late nights mixing the organic with the synthesized, the intimate with the collaborative, and folky with the pop-inspired.
"The album has a blend of happy, poppy songs that are filled with themes of personal betterment," Vinson explains, "and moody songs with a sonic space that lets the emotion of the song ring true. It's something you can listen to in the morning, before you go to bed, or while sitting in a hammock. It's reflective music. With Shiner, I finally encapsulated that feeling."
A 1980s Omnichord adds vintage, sun-baked shimmer to Shiner’s lead single, "Cool Shade." A MicroKORG arpeggiator weaves its way in and out of the album's kickoff track, "Much Better." Banjo, baritone guitar, saxophone, and keyboards fill the remaining tracks, lacing Vinson's writing with a mix of atmosphere and ambience.
Shiner Track Listing:
“Much Better”
“Time (Done Being Late)”
“Shake the Dust”
“Cool Shade”
“Counterweight”
“The Man You Knew”
“Truth of the Matter”
“Young & Able”
“The Day Before Your Last”
Vinson encapsulated The Wonderfool during 2015 while studying at Ohio University. From there he worked alone recording, producing, and writing. However, as Shiner took shape, the record proved to be something quite different, full of guest appearances from fellow road warriors (including CAAMP frontman Taylor Meier) and fueled by Vinson's sharpest songwriting to date.
Some Early Praise for Shiner:
“The straightforward song [‘Cool Shade’] evokes a hypnotic dream state…a shimmering texture, creating more melodic depth to the summertime song…‘Cool Shade’ furthers his folk agenda, moving with ease into a dynamic new soundscape.”
--Madeline Crone, American Songwriter, July 12, 2021
“‘Time (Done Being Late)’ is Vinson’s last single from the record [Shiner], a sweet nostalgic look at the passage of time. Vinson traces past loves and regrets with a gentle sagacity that only time can bring.”
--Caleb Campbell, Under The Radar, August 10, 2021
“There’s a soft rock energy to this track [‘Cool Shade’] that’s sure to make fans…the understated vocal harmonies really connect on this one. It’s the kind of song you want to put on for a cookout in the summer time…fans of folk rock, especially from the mid-70s era, will dig this one”
--Greg Jones, Ear To The Ground, July 21, 2021
“A highlight beauty from his forthcoming release [Shiner], Vinson is melodically on point, delivering with poise and timeless composure on ‘Cool Shade.’ Vinson brings his own spin and magic to the folk tradition, invoking a parallel between Jim James and Fruit Bats.”
--GLIDE MAGAZINE, July 29, 2021
Above: The Wonderfool PC: Hillary Jones