Matt Pond PA Album: “Last Light [Digipak]”

Excited and eager to hear matt pond's newest album in just under two years, Last Light was far from your average album. Combining the matt pond of the past and the more dynamic sound the band now contains, Last Light is a perfect balance of both. Again, Matt delivers sincere vocals amidst catchy hooks, guitar solos, hand claps, and the almighty cello.

Despite changing members quite often, mpPA never fails to impress as new members bring their own unique elements to certain tracks (ie: guitar solo in The Crush). If you've been a fan of his work, i highly recommend this album. At the same time, if you're looking for something new to put on your iPod, I highly suggest giving this album a listen. This may break-through album and one of the best of this year.

Tracks that stand out the most: People Have A Way,Taught To Look Away, Basement Parties, Sunshine.

Solid effort from beginning to end. No weak spots, no filler. "Several Arrows Later" was a beautiful record, but have been enjoying this more every listen. Harder edged, more upbeat tempos, yet still filled with lots of unique lyrics that grab your attention at each repeated listen."Last Light" is a great opener, "Locate the Pieces" is classic MPPA with an almost late-era Replacements-esque guitar sound. "Sunlight", "Basement Parties" are goose-bump inducing, and "Taught to Look Away" is a gut-wrenching beautiful ballad. While songs are heavier on guitar (i.e. "Crush"), piano and strings (and various instruments) provide a richer overall sound. Songs are still emotionally charged, even without the cello being so dominant. Has everything you would want from a MPPA album, but now the intensity is turned up a notch.

Are these the best songs he's written? The most complex lyrics or arrangements compared to past albums. Probably not, but its a satisfying listen filled with songs that sound great live and will appeal to a wider audience. Its a MPPA CD you can pass on to friends who may not get the subtleties of Emblems, Nature of Maps and even Several Arrows.

There is no question that this band should have more recognition. They deserve it and are as talented as many other Indie outfits out there, including the vastly more popular Death Cab for Cutie. Still, they remain an undiscovered gem for many, and many people look at you funny if you mention their name. They have no idea who you are talking about, but mention Death Cab, and people light up. One day, maybe this band will ge their day in the sun, until then, we will continue to enjoy the incredible pop melodies, the gut-wrenching lyrics, and riffs that this band continues to produce. Perhaps on "Last Light", this band culminates all I have said earlier in a perfect array of pop bliss. Its a harder record than the previous efforts, more edgy, but in my opinion, even better than "Several arrows later", which is excellent. Enjoy the melodies, the musicianship, and the good lyrics. I agree with another reviewer that the songs from this album would be all over the radio 15-20 years ago. But mainstream radio, MTV, VH1 American Idol, and especially clear channel have destroyed what is good about the music industry. Buy this album and you do yourself a favor, do not go by what is popular.