DOC RHOMBUS

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"Atmosphere and melody are consistent points of impression throughout the album. The single 'I’m Afraid' touts a more guitar-fronted energy, meshing into the 'falling hard,' hook with a spacey, synth-friendly appeal. Doc Rhombus consistently presents a wholly memorable meshing of lo-fi rock with synth-inclined bedroom-pop, also highlighted on standouts like the dreamily engrossing 'Better Days (Retroactions),' its vocals letting out 'I just wanna know if better days are coming,' amidst melancholic guitar jangles. Retroactions is a wholly recommended album from Doc Rhombus."

https://www.obscuresound.com/2022/09/doc-rhombus-retroactions/

"The artist shows an impressive attention to their craft.  Retroactions is a beautifully calculated effort and an impressive venture for an indie artist.  Their second full length in the last two years, the intent and effort are clear...

The whole album slaps.  Whether it’s the tasty falsetto in Alive Now or the cosmic backbeat of Hypnotized, the artist drips catchy treats throughout.  We see a heavy comparison to Beck in both his ability to be widely eclectic and insatiably catchy.  Doc Rhombus should also connect to fans of eclectic electronic pop acts like Daft Punk and Gorillaz."

https://thewildiscallingus.com/2022/09/13/best-new-indie-pop-alisa-xayalith-late-hala-doc-rhombus/

"The songs follow with well-constructed vocal arrangements and the intonation smoothed and calm, even in moments of sentimental focus. Drums and keyboards are part of the collaborative set and the flow goes on, until 'Hypnotized' appears dancing, with its pauses for different time transitions. A smart and creative approach that results in its creator's intention: to capture the listener's attention.

'Retroactions' is a surface of harmonious and more serene melodies, precisely because it deals with emotions that we are still getting around. There are his discontents revealed, but he finds a spark to move on..."

https://roadie-music.com/retroactions-um-palco-para-guitarras-e-doc-rhombus-brilharem/

"I enjoy Matt’s creative mind and talent showcased on this record. He has an extraordinary ability to blend several sounds together in the mix, allowing the listener not just to hear his music but feel surrounded by his art...  Matt also mixed the nine-song album, which, as any recording musician knows, is far from an easy accomplishment.

[In 'All My Friends' the] harmonizing chorus vocals give off a dreamy psychedelic feel. Just before my mind falls into a trance, a warm, bluesy guitar solo is perks my ears– a riff John Mayer would certainly tip his hat to."

https://www.musicinminnesota.com/doc-rhombus-retroactions/

"Starting with the first track, we are fully immersed in this atmospheric music that has elements of new wave and bedroom pop. Elastic rhythms are based on groovy basses creating unique waves of open and catchy music.  

Each song presents a unique vocal line that is guided by a warm and silky timbre. Elegant arrangements created with taste, which speaks of the considerable talent of the author of the music."

http://indiedockmusicblog.co.uk/?p=14495

"The seriously good new single I’m Afraid from the always-evolving Minneapolis, USA-based solo Doc Rhombus is a real thunderbolt that will take you to an honest spot in your soul which needs to keep it authentic right now. Brimming with a reflective glow that shall immerse your whole heart, this is a hugely contemplative anthem for anyone who needs some guidance throughout this rather odd time of upheaval."

https://www.anrfactory.com/doc-rhombus-worries-about-the-next-step-in-this-cruel-world-with-im-afraid/

"You like synthwave? That's good news. Doc Rhombus offers us a pleasant and endless mental journey with its delicate synthesizer sounds. He does it with I'm Afraid, a track that minute by minute becomes more enveloping. It has everything a fan of the genre is looking for, structurally...its sound will make your ears fall in love."

https://www.zonenights.com/tag/doc-rhombus-im-afraid-single/

"There’s an evocative, soundtrack quality to his music. It’s lo-fi with so many interesting instruments. Even without the lyrics, the music is moving. [Long Division] starts with a light touch in Escape and leads to crescendo of The Upheaval. There’s a whistle here, a bell there, sudden harmony of vocals that appear on the sonic landscape. And every bell and whistle is intentional. Doc Rhombus does everything on the album. As he said – “everything is a deliberate decision made by me.”

Interview & Review:

https://mostlyminnesota.com/2021/03/01/doc-rhombus-on-his-album-long-division-and-societal-divisions/

"Music to discover this week comprises six tracks, including entries from Grammy nominees and two notable cover tunes. Plus, we've got a pick for you from Doc Rhombus, an artist who entered the local music scene just this past year...  He released his debut full length album, Long Division, in January 2021, which acts as an examination of fractured society and the idea that ignorance breeds division. Throughout the album, Doc incorporates expansive sonic landscapes, catchy synth-filled grooves, and a generally sunshine-y and relaxing sound which nicely contrasts the album's more tricky subject matter."

https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2021/03/11/music-you-should-know-six-new-tracks-for-march-11

"Doc Rhombus is, for me, a great discovery and this so early in this year 2021. I played 2 songs [from Long Division] to the person who will revise this text and he also immediately fell in love after listening to its 2 songs. If he continues to deliver such polished productions, it is clear that he has a bright future ahead and it is a safe bet that some people will discover this album in 10 or 15 years and wonder where they were in 2021? If you have the chance to listen to him and share this discovery with others, I strongly encourage you to do so."

https://kracradio.com/articles/critiques-reviews/critique-review-album-long-division-de-doc-rhombus/