Matt Pond is a person who fronts a band called Matt Pond PA. And they are a lovely band (lovely being the word most fitting for the sound these Philadelphians create). Supported by a guitarist, bassist (Say Hi to Your Mom in full effect!), cellist, and drummer, singer/songwriter Pond takes full advantage of his band's respective strengths to create melancholic songs shimmering with melody and soaring arrangements.

With such pensive lyrics -- intensely intimate and oftentimes tainted with regret -- one would think going to a Matt Pond PA show would be one big buzzkill. But their music is depressing like My Bloody Valentine is depressing. It doesn't make you want to sob your eyes out. It just helps you reflect on where you've been and where you're going. Plus, it's really good music to get drunk to. If we'll lucky, maybe they'll play their cover of "Holiday Road" from National Lampoon's Vacation. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for that song.

If you go to this show, please find our programmer, Mark, and wish him a happy birthday. You can buy him a round of HTML codes or something.

Matt Pond PA play North Six, Saturday, March 26th.