  Matrix models play an important role in studies of quantum gravity, being
candidates for a formulation of M-theory, but are notoriously difficult to
solve. In this work, we present a fresh approach by introducing a novel exact
model provably equivalent with low-dimensional bosonic matrix models. In this
equivalent model significant local structure becomes apparent and it can serve
as a simple toy model for analytical and precise numerical study. We derive a
substantial part of the low energy spectrum, find a conserved charge, and are
able to derive numerically the Regge trajectories. To exemplify the usefulness
of the approach, we address questions of equilibration starting from a
non-equilibrium situation, building upon an intuition from quantum information.
We finally discuss possible generalizations of the approach.
