THE MATCHES, A BAND IN HOPE ON NEW ALBUM

OAKLAND BASED QUARTET TO RELEASE THIRD STUDIO ALBUM IN MARCH.

Indie-pop-rock group the Matches will release their third studio album, A Band In Hope, on March 18th via Epitaph Records. Known for their innovative take on music and far out charm, the Matches have created a record that is a striking mix of affective rock, poetic lyrics and rollicking indie riffs, fueled by singer/guitarist Shawn Harris' ardent vocals.

Originally conceptualized as the sister album of 2006's Decomposer, A Band In Hope finds the Matches in a matured state of self-reflection. "The portrait is more honest, exposed and layered than we've ever been able to achieve," says Harris. "A pendulum's sway between hope and despair."

With a new-found focus and drive, the group called upon some of music's top innovative producers to helm the recording, who included John Feldmann (Story of the Year, The Used) and Mike Green (Paramore, Good Charlotte) among others. The results were exceptionally distinctive tracks like the first single, "Wake The Sun," which features hypnotic sing-along choruses ironically paired with the world-weary attitude of the verses, and the retro 80's anthem "Their City," which SPIN.com describes as "a musical call-to-arms for their contemporaries."

"Like a seasoned boxer, the Matches know how to stick and move, as the band show they're capable of maneuvering from one sound to the next" (SPIN.com). the Matches' unique genre-bending style draws on a plethora of influences ranging from rock and art-pop to alternative and indie, as heard in songs like the piano driven epic "Darkness Rising," and the poignantly rocking "Between Halloweens."

the Matches' creativity extends well beyond their music and is illustrated, literally and figuratively, in their album artwork, which Harris has been designing since the Matches' debut and most recently with the help of graphics collaborator Emilee Seymour. And it doesn't stop there. From styling their photo sessions to sewing their own clothes, the Matches' inimitable style is especially evident on stage with their kinetic, electrifying and emotional performances. In anticipation of the forthcoming release, fans and critics can catch the Matches live at SXSW and on the 2008 AP Tour this spring.