It is unusual that a band can couple complex instrumentation with catchy pop and make it work, but the newest Matt Pond PA album, “The Nature of Maps,” proves that this is feasible. The album opens with “Fairlee,” which creates a frantic drama that is depicted by Matt Pond’s harsh yet soothing voice. This song is contrasted by the decidedly more mellow “No More,” which seems to be more of the band’s style.
While the album glides back and forth between these two methods of attack, the way in which the band composes the songs remains the same. Songs originate from simple guitar lines and are then interwoven with a lush indie ensemble that includes violin, vibraphone, cello, harp, and banjo along with the more conventional bass and drum accompaniments. Despite the fact that these songs are very intensely orchestrated, they remain audibly sparse because they seem so natural to the ear.
This naturalistic approach to songwriting will no doubt make “The Nature of Maps” a success.