The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Simple Times" by MattyPasq


By Bob Makin

originally published: 12/18/2020

Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Simple Times" by MattyPasq

Since 2014, Jersey Shore rapper MattyPasq has kept busy releasing dozens of singles, EPs, and LPs as a solo artist and a member of the trio TrapBang. This summer, he released his latest solo EP, “Simple Times,” and I’m glad I finally got to catch up with it. Fans of the great Jersey City trip-hop duo P.M. Dawn will dig the four-song rap-adelic collection, which was expertly produced by Fresno beat master Kasino Kam.

The brief but powerful EP opens with the trippy but romantic pop nugget “Little Angel.” The flowing pop continues with the Caribbean-tinged, vibes-driven “Atlantis.”

While the first two tracks are well-crafted on the poppy side of trip-hop, the last two take a much more confessional and experimental approach. A chronicle of survival, “Best Life” boasts a tasty bridge with rapid-fire rhyme and faucet of emotion set to steel drum-like effects.

Ironically, “It Takes Time” features more swift flow cramming many rhymes throughout its 4 minutes as it looks at the slow development of peace of mind. A cool accordion-like effect pulses and warbles throughout adding musical uneasiness to reassuring lyrics. I love the layers of vocals that seem to drown out the suggested peace of mind until they abruptly are reduced to one at an equally abrupt but powerful end.

Makin Waves Record of the Week: "Simple Times" by MattyPasq

Bob Makin has been a New Jersey music writer for 40 years and is a former reporter with USA TODAY NETWORK and former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him at makinwaves64@yahoo.com. And like Makin Waves on Facebook.



New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.


 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

COLUMNS


This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 15-21, 2025

Here is a look at shows taking place from July 15-21, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 7/14/25




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Honeydew" by Via Crowe




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/10/25





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Limited tickets remain for The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Showtime is 7:30pm.


Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jax Hollow on Saturday




Human Wheels (Mellencamp Tribute Band) to Perform at Drew University




AfroBeat Ignited Newark with African Rhythm, Culture, and Celebration




"Above the Rest and Second to None!" Diana Krall LIVE! at The Basie






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Sounds of a Summer Night: Music, Nature, and Community in Concert at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum and celebrate summer with their 2025 concert series, Sounds of a Summer Night! All performances will be held on select Wednesday evenings on the grounds of this non-profit public garden located in Summit.


2025 Horizon Sounds of the City at NJPAC




South Orange Summer Nights to Offer Free Concerts Every Wednesday Night In July




Middlesex County's Free Concert Series Returns for 2025






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates