Matt DeAngelis has a way of making you feel everything all at once. The Turnersville, New Jersey, singer-songwriter has long been on my radar for his emotional melodies and profound lyrics, and with his latest single, “Rock And A Hard Place,” he delivers yet another soul-stirring anthem. Released on January 24, 2025, this track is a beautiful blend of indie-rock and indie-folk, wrapped in stunning harmonies and introspective storytelling.
From the moment “Rock And A Hard Place” begins, its soulful opening draws us in. An elegant yet resolute instrumental introduction sets the stage, where gentle guitar strums and hauntingly atmospheric undertones create a sense of vulnerability. It’s the kind of opening that makes you lean in, waiting to hear what comes next. And then, Matt’s voice enters—warm, rich, and dripping with sincerity.
“It’s easy to think. Life’s planned ahead, but it’s not.” These opening lines hit like a quiet revelation, setting the tone for the song. With an almost confessional delivery, Matt captures the uncertainty of life, the weight of choices, and the emotional struggle of feeling stuck between what is and what could be. His vocal performance is mesmerizing, carrying the weight of every lyric with an aching authenticity that’s sure to stay even after the song ends.
From a thematic perspective, “Rock And A Hard Place” paints a deep picture of internal conflict and the relentless tug-of-war between hope and despair. The chorus, “As long as I’m alive / I’m in a rock and a hard place / I’m the rock / You’re the hard place,” is simple yet powerful, illustrating the suffocating feeling of being trapped in an impossible situation. Matt’s ability to craft lyrics that are both poetic and accessible is what makes his songwriting so impactful.
Now, the music video, filmed against the breathtaking yet desolate backdrop of Las Vegas and Death Valley, is the perfect visual complement to the song’s themes. The vast landscapes mirror the song’s sense of isolation, making it feel like a cinematic journey through self-reflection and resilience. As Matt moved through these striking locations, I could feel the weight of the song’s message—the struggle of making peace with difficult realities.
The production, worked in harmony by Tom Conran, Billy Kennedy, and John DeAngelis, finds the perfect balance between polished and organic. Acoustic and electric guitars blend seamlessly, creating a layered, atmospheric backdrop. The bass work by Eric Bishop is subtle but effective, adding warmth to the arrangement, while Cole Herudek’s percussion choices give the song a steady, heartbeat-like rhythm. There’s a soft but anthemic quality to the production—one that allows Matt’s words and melodies to shine without unnecessary embellishment.
For those of us who have loved Matt’s music from the start, this track is yet another reminder of his ability to channel raw emotion into something universally relatable. “Rock And A Hard Place” is not just a song but a reminder that no matter where life places you, there’s always strength to be found in facing your struggles head-on. So, if you haven’t yet experienced Matt DeAngelis’s music, now is the perfect time to start. “Rock And a Hard Place” will leave you with a sense of hope and a deeper appreciation for the choices that shape our lives. It’s a beautiful addition to an already impressive catalog that keeps you coming back for more.
Listen to “Rejection” by Matt DeAngelis on Spotify or SoundCloud, and watch the video with the above link.
You can follow Matt DeAngelis here for more information.
