matt pond PA

Item: The Nature of Maps
Author: Tyler Baber

The Nature of Maps

(2002)

Reviewed by Tyler Baber

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Label Polyvinyl Record CompanyDecapolisJanuary 2003

indie pop indie rock modern rock

matt pond PA is an approximately six piece radio rock outfit based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nature of Maps is the group's third full length album and is available on Polyvinyl Records.

Every so often a band comes around that carries the spirit of indie rock and packages it in a way that impresses both die hard underground scenesters and kids who only listen to the radio. Then there are those bands that try to do the same thing and have nominal singles and entertaining but forgettable albums. Weezer got big, bands like Nerf Herder got pushed on to the radio. Thursday became popular, Taking Back Sunday got marketed to a group of easily entertained kids. matt pond PA is one of these bands, sounding all too familiar and forced. Thankfully, mpPA has a shtick--the band consists of two cellists and frequently employs the use of instruments like the harp, vibraphone, violin, and banjo.

These instrumental interludes make The Nature of Maps an entertaining album. Truly tracks like "The Party" and "Athabasca" are orchestral achievements and add much credibility to a band whose lead used to be in the more annoying side of punk with Mel's Rock Pile. The traditional rock instruments are altogether forgettable, the guitars and drums add little to this album since the sounds of the cello, banjo, harp and others stand out as distinctly original.

Unfortunately, the unique and entertaining instrumentation is not enough to make mpPA or The Nature of Maps stand out as little more than another group heavily influenced by bands that have influenced more than their fair share. Vocally, Matt Pond ranges from the Smiths to the Promise Ring, bands that are in and of themselves great and respectable but one must admit that they have tended to inspire sub par musicians. That is not to say that matt pond PA is sub par, it is just on par. Average vocals, predictable music, and commonplace lyrics keep the band and the album from sticking out as truly original.

With a little work, matt pond PA could very well be an amazing, unique listening experience. For now, though, the group is only putting out entertaining but forgettable albums which may appeal to some, but will have a hard time making its way onto many favorite lists.