Matthew Logan Vasquez’s writing goes where he goes. Synonymous with the sound of Southern California in the early 2000s, MLV’s first and most prominent band, Delta Spirit formed in his home state in 2005 and went on to tour internationally, appearing on coveted festival stages like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza and late night TV like Jimmy Kimmel and Letterman.

Now nearing 10 years of releasing music as a solo artist and a handful of side quest projects like Glorietta and Middle Brother, Vasquez’s upcoming record, Frank’s Full Moon Saloon has the self-dubbed Calitexican’s sound firmly planted in the Lone Star state, his current and teenage home. “I’m a product of both the 90’s Austin music scene (Old 97’s, Ian Moore, Reverend Horton Heat) and Southern California in the early 00’s (Elliott Smith, Richard Swift).”

With the primary goal to capture “the alchemy of a live honest moment” and make a more raw, song forward record, Vasquez recorded most of Frank’s Full Moon Saloon himself in the garage honky tonk of a beloved neighbor and mentor. The album features more exposed versions of songs from throughout his career as well as guest appearances from members of Dr. Dog, Dawes, Deep Sea Diver, and Shovels & Rope. Recommended listening for those drawn to the musical stylings of modern writers like David Bazan and Hamilton Leithouser and underground giants Doug Sahm and Ry Cooder.