Title: Bleeding Audio
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Chelsea Christer
Starring: Shawn Harris, Jon Devoto, Matt Whalen
Runtime: 1 hr 30 mins

What It Is: This documentary details the rise and collapse (and possible resurrection?) of the rock band The Matches. From humble beginnings in the Northern California punk scene to the brightest lights and hottest summers of the Vans Warped Tour. All along the way craft unique and interesting songs that spoke to and continue to speak to generations. With real tour footage and never-before-seen videos and never previously told stories we get the 411 and a group that’ll forever let us bleed in audio. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to…they’ll show ya!

What We Think: For a guy who grew up in the scene seeing something like this led to two separate but wholly consequential realizations. First among these is that I am getting older. An existential crisis was averted upon the second of these thoughts. That bands from my era are finally going to start getting the praise they deserve. That’s what documentarian Chelsea Christer has done here. A loving tribute to a band that was always just one creative step ahead of the curve. In a sea of “emo” bands with a similar haircut and even more similar riffs the unique nature of what made this band special is given the biggest of displays. Each member comes off as a personable, likable fella (if you’re in town first rounds on me boys!) a group of kids who never truly grew up. Long into their 20’s. That point is so crystal clearly made. Grabbing interviews from colleagues in the scenes biggest (Blink-182, Biffy Clyro) and equally interesting (looking at you Justin Pierre) bands legitimizes all the music The Matches have made. Structurally this is about as well as one can put together footage of this nature. A testament to Christer’s talent and hard work.

Our Grade: A-, Music docs are always going to have a special place for me. I used to play in a band and as I mentioned growing up in the “the scene”. For those who didn’t what they will instead find is a truly fantastic look at a group of men who formed a band that ended up meaning so much to so many. To those who are uninitiated here’s a song. Enjoy!