Ohio-born DIY musician M Ross Perkins returns with a new album that reveals more of his inner world. Known for writing, recording, and producing all his own music, Perkins first gained attention in 2016 with his self-titled debut. That release introduced his psychedelic sound, which has since evolved into a lo-fi pop style marked by rich melodies and emotional honesty.
Perkins has built a name for himself with his ability to craft catchy tunes while reflecting on personal struggles and the world around him. His sound stands apart from mainstream pop, as he refuses to sacrifice his unique voice for commercial success. Even so, his music remains accessible. With memorable hooks and a smooth, distinctive vocal style, his songs often feel like sonic daydreams.
His latest project, What’s the Matter, M Ross, arrives on May 2. The 15-track album offers a deeper look into Perkins’ personal and artistic growth. Longtime fans will find familiar warmth in his music, while new listeners will be drawn in by his honesty and vulnerability. More than just another heartfelt collection, this album presents a raw, confessional tone under loose and jangly pop melodies.
Throughout the record, Perkins writes with the urgency of someone trying to understand a confusing world. While his lyrics suggest a world that has barely changed since his debut, the album shows clear growth in his songwriting. Emotional complexity now comes paired with jazz-influenced arrangements and layered instrumentation.
A central theme of the album is found in the recurring “Saccade” interludes. These segments feature anonymous voice recordings—some critical, others supportive. Perkins responds to these voices in his songs, not with bitterness, but with reflection. He treats criticism as a misunderstanding and uses this album as a way to clear the air, opening up through deeply personal lyrics.
The album opens with “Hey Man/Hey Self,” a cheerful track about self-reflection and acceptance. While its upbeat sound sets a welcoming tone, the following songs quickly shift into deeper emotional territory. “Crying in My Sleep” takes listeners back to Perkins’ childhood as he searches for answers to his current feelings, wrapped in haunting harmonies. “Baby, My Bad” stands out as a love song about realizing past mistakes too late. It blends regretful lyrics with bright, surf-rock sounds.
Perkins has always balanced sorrowful lyrics with sunny melodies, but on this album, he perfects the contrast. What’s the Matter, M Ross is consistent and cohesive. It presents an artist who is no longer hiding behind mystique. Instead, Perkins invites listeners into the complexity of his thoughts and emotions.
The album never feels repetitive, despite its stylistic coherence. Perkins explores subtle variations in his sound and offers a version of himself that is more open and sincere than ever. The question in the album’s title—What’s the Matter, M Ross—may not have a simple answer. But across 15 heartfelt tracks, Perkins begins to explain, one vulnerable moment at a time.
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