In a blog released on July 9th, The Matches announced to friends and fans that they have decided to go on hiatus.
Although many recognize the band for their theatrics, the group have truly used their music as a creative outlet on many levels. Throughout their career, frontman Shawn Harris became famous for how gracefully he embraces his dark persona through lyrics, artwork and his own clothing choices, all which seem to be costumes from a Tim Burton movie set.
However, the group's creative and collective effort is what made The Matches so successful. From the start, the band worked not only as a team of musicians, but as friends. With Jon Devoto (guitar/vocals), Justin San Souci (bass/vocals) and Matt Wahlen (drums) playing alongside Harris, the band transformed their talent from a simple Bay Area punk act into a refined alternative band who truly held their own.
Still, The Matches took fans by surprise when they announced that San Souci would be stepping away from his role as bassist last July, only months after the release of their new album. The split, although surprising, was amicable, and Dylan Rowe was later welcomed to the band in San Souci's place.
Throughout their career, The Matches have released three albums; E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals, Decomposer, and the band's most recent release, A Band In Hope.
Although the group stresses that they are not breaking-up, they have announced that they will be playing two "going-away" shows in their home state of California.
August
22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
23 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
John San Souci has agreed to play part of the set held at The Fillmore.
With an unknown future for The Matches, the boys have all ensured that this will not be the end of their music.
Jon Deveto has begun work on a (currently) unnamed solo-career that will debut in Berkeley, CA August 21st. And knowing Harris, the tricks that are yet to emerge from his sleeves will be beautiful as always.
So, here's thanks and well wishes to a band with endless amounts of talent. Although the "end" may feel too soon, I have faith that these men will never cease to amaze an audience with the dedication and creativity they have bestowed upon the music world since their humble beginnings.
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