I've read several of his works, and coincidentally I have his latest, Transitions, checked-out of the library and sitting on the table awaiting my read. I'll let ya know about that one. Huh...just noticed that it was published after Matter. Wonder if it's a sequel? Will I have to ask you to explain it to me?

It's been a while since I last read something by Banks. I have a tendency to sometimes confuse him with Dan Simmons, which tells you something both about Banks's style as well as his skill, since I think very highly of Simmons. Both write "mainstream" as well as science fiction, and (BTW) Simmons's The Terror was exceptional non-sci-fi.

But back to Banks...I haven't read Matter, so there's no way I can calibrate Banks to your taste. I'll just say that because I've generally enjoyed Banks's other works, I'd advise you to give him another chance. Might be good to go back to the original "Culture" novel to mainline what makes Banks popular.