Travis Matte and the Kingpins’ latest release is dubbed Cuttin Up, but such a title could apply to anything in its rowdy and raucous, dozen-deep discography. Stacking It Up also works as a conceivable title since Matte’s stylistically varied 15 originals straddle throttling zydeco, stompin’ dancehall Cajun, fiddle-driven country, boppin’ blues, rock ’n’ roll and dreamy swamp pop ballads. Rock and swamp pop are the styles predominantly featured here with “Take Me Back” and “Didn’t Wanna Fall In Love” being the most sentimental.

Matte and the Kingpins devoted more time to this release and it shows. Musically, it’s tight and the blending of styles is seamless. Like Matte, Kevin Cormier is also an integral part of the Kingpins’ fabric with tasteful guitar solos that fit the vibe on hand. He outdid himself on “Rockin In 59” with lean, bluesy licks that sound like a true bluesman. After a six-year absence from the Kingpins, veteran saxman Pat Breaux returns and makes his presence felt on three cuts, this being the first time he’s ever recorded with the group. Interestingly, his second sax part on “I Wanna Be The One For You” adds an unintentional Latin flavor.

On the exhilarating Cajun instrumental “White Pickle Pierre Special,” Matte proves he hasn’t lost touch with his roots and can still pump it in epic proportions. It’s played in the style of his great-grandfather Pierre Bearb, whom the legendary Aldus Roger proclaimed as the best accordionist he ever heard. Matte played and dubbed in twin fiddle and twangy guitar rides in harmony (to resemble a steel guitar) to make it feel as if the song was performed by a much bigger combo.

As with any Matte release, there’s bound to be a risqué element, most notably on “Nookie Boogie.” But along with that comes another Matte trademark, snarky humor with lines like “Smoke that thing like Willie Nelson tokin.’” “She Wants a Real Man,” the disc’s catchiest rocker, explores the irony of finding a real man while putting on a plastic front.

From a songwriter’s perspective, “Life in a Small Town” is a standout track and was almost left on the cutting room floor since it’s so different from anything the Kingpins have ever done. Perhaps one of Matte’s best songs ever, it’s a vivid portrayal of a decaying small town rife with disappointment and the startling realization that life will never be the same.