Matt Pond PA – Emblems

Matt Pond PA
Emblems

Yes, I know that Matt Pond PA’s Emblems album is actually from 2004, but I just got a chance to pick it up at Amoeba the other day. Excellent, strongly constructed songs like his earlier work, such as the Measure CD which is where I originally heard about him. To be honest, the slightly weird name (does PA stand for “public address”?) was what first caught my eye in a music magazine. I believe it was an article in Magnet Magazine. But the interesting mix of straightforward rock, alt-country and a bit of folk along with his engaging lyrics was what kept me coming back for more.

Matt Pond’s voice conveys quite a sense of urgency without being overly tacky or emotive. Sometimes his singing strikes you as a bit off kiltre, but never distractingly so. Combine this with smart pop arrangements with background accent instruments like violin, cello and pedal steel, and you’ve got a recipe for indie greatness. With all the yellers nowadays crowding the upper rungs of the pop charts, this is nice to see that some bands still understand the value of a good straightforward tune without unnecssary screaming.

Matt Pond PA website

by Palebear