Mobile Chateau

Matt Costa’s third release, and second on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire label, is a hummable swirl of sunny ‘60’s-era California pop and classic British Invasion influences. Starting from this familiar and comfortable place he crafts 13 catchy songs and surrounds them with the warm sound of echo chambers, reverb, and vintage amps. This approach works especially well on the standout singles “The Season,” “Johnny’s Love of Majik,” and “Witchcraft.” Some songs feature elaborate arrangements and soulful keyboard work (“Can You Tell Me,” “Idol,” “Bleeding Hearts”), while others are simpler and more direct, such as the piano-driven “Drive,” the title-track, and “Painted Face,” which revolve around straight-ahead acoustic guitar figures. Costa’s pleasant voice can express melancholy or playfulness with equal ease, and he keeps things varied and interesting by mixing up tempos and moods. Mobile Chateau’s depth, maturity, and overall sound makes this his most satisfying release yet.