New York-based Matt Pond PA formed by singer-songwriter Matt Pond in 1998 is one of my top picks in indie-rock music, and while I don’t usually like to choose favourites, their music never fails to impress me. With more than 16 albums released over the past 13 years, this talented band is known to frequently collaborate with a variety of musicians in order to achieve their unique and diverse sound.
While earlier albums such as “Emblems” (2004) and “Several Arrows Later” (2005) were well received by critics, the band recently gained positive attention for their 2010 release “The Dark Leaves.” Produced and recorded in its entirety from a secluded cabin in Bearsville, New York, the resulting EP brilliantly captures the band’s naturalistic quality. Currently on tour with Rocky Votolato to promote their newest release “Spring Fools,” it is easy to assume that we can continue to expect great things from the band in the near future.
For now, the songs “Specks,” “Last Song,” and “New Hampshire” really reveal the style of the band, and if you enjoy them, I strongly recommend checking out some of their other work.
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THE BONUS TRACK: With the holiday season right around the corner, you should really give the band’s “Winter Songs” (2005) album a listen. The track “Snow Day” is a personal favourite, and I can guarantee that it will put you in the mood for some hot chocolate and cold weather.
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3 Comments
I couldn’t agree more. I can understand why they aren’t huge but I can’t understand why they aren’t more popular than they are. Matt Pond PA finally came to my hometown and they had to open for another band. I saw that they were touring again and opening for a band I’d never heard of and I follow music pretty closely. Oh well, if it frustrates me it must frustate the hell out of Matt Pond.
I truly appreciate this post. I
Nice blog. I’ve loved Matt Pond PA for years now, (Their 2003/4 appearance on The OC really got me hooked), and by pure luck, they came to small town Pullman, WA (Home of WSU) with Rocky. I couldn’t believe my luck, and I wasnt disappointed – as anyone who has seen Matt and Co. perform live can attest. It’s a shame that mpPA aren’t more widely known, but I do like that they’ve not been mainstreamed in that sense… Matt is just a guy doing what he loves and seems like he really lives for his music. Getting to meet him was the highlight of an awesome year! I’ve been a MASSIVE Foo Fighters fan for what seems like forever, but I have to say I’d be hard pressed to turn down the chance to see mpPA again. Muchos love for the band.