Bleeding Audio is a documentary film that tells the journey of The Matches, an alternative rock band from Oakland, California. Directed by Chelsea Christer, this movie came out in 2020 and features interviews with band members, friends, family, and fans, as well as archive footage of their performances, tour diary videos, and behind-the-scenes moments.
The film begins with a brief history of the punk rock scene in the Bay Area, where The Matches formed in 1997. Shawn Harris (vocals, guitar), Jon Devoto (guitar), Matt Whalen (bass), and Matt Stucker (drums) met in high school and started playing music together in a garage. They soon developed a sound that blended punk, pop, and indie rock influences, and began playing shows around the local scene.
Bleeding Audio then follows The Matches through their early days, signing with Epitaph Records, releasing their debut album E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals in 2003, and touring with punk bands like Rise Against and NOFX. The movie highlights the band's energetic live shows, catchy hooks, and witty lyrics, as well as their DIY ethos and creative approach to music videos (they filmed some of them in a backyard pool, in a coffin, and on a rollercoaster, among other unconventional locations).
However, the film also shows some of the challenges the band faced along the way. They struggled with lineup changes, label pressure, and conflicting visions of their musical direction. They also had personal struggles with substance abuse, anxiety, and depression, which affected their relationships and creative output.
Despite these obstacles, The Matches persevered and continued to release music that pushed the boundaries of their genre. Their second album Decomposer (2006) showcased a more experimental sound, with electronic beats, string arrangements, and guest vocalists. The movie features interviews with several collaborators, including producer Mark Hoppus (of Blink-182 fame) and singer-songwriter Max Bemis (of Say Anything), who praise The Matches' creativity and influence.
However, even as the band gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, they felt increasingly disillusioned with the music industry. They decided to part ways in 2009, after a farewell tour that culminated in a sold-out show at the Fillmore in San Francisco.
Bleeding Audio explores the aftermath of The Matches' breakup, as each member pursued their own projects and struggled to find a new identity outside the band. Harris formed a new group called Maniac with Devoto, while Whalen and Stucker played in several bands, and all of them pursued solo projects and other artistic endeavors.
The film also shows the impact The Matches had on their fans, who describe their music as a soundtrack to their teenage years and a source of inspiration and comfort. The movie includes interviews with several fans, who share stories of how The Matches' music helped them through difficult times, and how they continue to support the band's members in their new projects.
Overall, Bleeding Audio is a heartfelt tribute to The Matches, a band that left a mark on the Bay Area punk scene and beyond. The movie celebrates their creativity, humor, and passion for music, as well as their honesty and vulnerability as artists and human beings. It also reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a musician in a constantly changing industry, and the enduring power of music to connect people and create community.
Bleeding Audio is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.
