J-Sin @ Smother.net
Mark Matos is the singer/songwriter behind Campo Bravo. As the first true American born in a long line of Portuguese peasants from the Azores islands, he brings a different sense of culture to the table. His music recalls Jack Kerouac’s words (who he admits he owes a certain utter fascination) and Bob Dylan’s honest voice. Cracklin’ guitar that sounds as rich and poppy as a Texan campfire in the thick of winter. Slow-core drumwork and rangy vocals pick through the leftovers of alt. country from the likes of Wilco and Lucero with a distinct sensibility abound. Clever and perfect arrangements that never hinder the brilliant lyrical content. EDITOR'S PICK



Craig Bonnell @ songs:illinois
Who the hell is Campo Bravo and how the fuck do they materialize out of thin air with a sound this polished and rich? I mean really...it took Richard Buckner, Giant Sand and Will Oldham a combined 50 years to reach the artsitic pinacle of their career, it's just not fair that a band can do the same with a debut record. Goodbye, Oklahoma is that record and it's out soon on Keep Recordings.

"Waste/Haste" is the song that has made me all a twitter what with it's southwestern dusty feel, langorous guitar strums and drawled vocals. Add to that a string section that kicks in at the emotional core of the song and you've got an instant classic. Pre-order the new record, Goodbye, Oklahoma, here from the stunningly consistent label Keep Recordings (J. Tillman, Chad King, Carl Johns)



Sweetheart of the Radio
So my boss sends me a message saying - "You have to listen to this band" - with a link to the Campo Bravo MySpace page. I check it out and find myself more than pleasantly surprised. So here I am telling you - you have to listen to this band.

Hailing from Tuscon, Arizona, Campo Bravo is the musical vehicle for Mark Matos. Equal parts Neil Young, Giant Sand and Will Oldham, Campo Bravo play americana the way I love it best. Laid back, thoughtful, sad and heartbreakingly beautiful.



Michael Petitti @ Arizona Daily Wildcat
Campo Bravo is Tucson's answer to Bright Eyes (without the whiny emo-angst). In other words, Campo Bravo is less a full band and more the brainchild of one man, Mark Matos. A traveling musician and talented songster, Matos has settled in Tucson to record and perform some of the country's finest Americana. His songs run the gamut of tones and sounds, but are generally folkish with occasional sonic flourishes. Despite being mainly acoustic, Campo Bravo's music is surprisingly layered and complex. On the wonderful record Songs for Messy Lovers, the sound is equal parts Wilco and Radiohead.

Seen live, Campo Bravo always fascinates, whether it is Matos playing a solo set or a full band setup that can include up to seven members (including the talented Amy Rude).

Matos is an exceptional musician and extremely gifted wordsmith, which provides each of his songs with different qualities to appreciate, from the rambling word poetry of Bob Dylan to the swirling, acoustic folk of Iron & Wine.