Matchbox Twenty in Manila Nov. 8

MANILA, Philippines - Matchbox Twenty, whose members are Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Kyle Cook and Brian Yale, has been getting good reviews for its shows worldwide as the band promotes its fourth album North.

It is also the band’s first set of all-new material in a decade. And like other connotations of the word, the 12-song set represents a determined journey that combines earnest melodicism with sly and even snarky fun as well as a new internal world order that has made Matchbox Twenty a tighter and even more collaborative band than ever before in its 17-year career.

North finds Matchbox Twenty fine-tuned, from the arena anthem, Put Your Hands Up, to the kinetic beats of Our Song to the rich craft of Overjoyed and Parade, to English Town and I Will that put the group at its balladic best. Rob thinks Like Sugar sounds almost like a Dr. Dre tracked-mixed “with our band, really fresh.” And then there’s She’s So Mean, North’s high-energy first single that’s topping the charts.

In addition to more than 30 million records sold worldwide, Matchbox Twenty has also earned countless accolades, including five Grammy nominations, four American Music Award nods, the 2004 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Musical Group, and Best New Band in the 1997 Rolling Stone Readers Poll.

Rob is one of the most highly-decorated artists of recent years for his solo work and collaborations. His collaboration with Santana in Smooth was named the No. 2 Most Popular Song Ever on Billboard’s List of the 100 Most Popular Songs behind The Twist.

North is sending Rob and the rest of the guys of Matchbox Twenty back in the road for the first time since Exile on Mainstream.

On Nov. 8, Matchbox Twenty will perform live in Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Tickets are now available at SM Ticket outlets or visit smtickets.com. Ticket prices are P8,450 (VIP), P6,870 (Patron), P5,280 (Lower Box), P3,700 (Upper Box) and P1,060 (General Admission).