Matt Pond PA

In the liner notes for Spring Fools (the follow-up EP to 2010's The Dark Leaves), Philadelphia, PA native Matt Pond credits Andrew Kenny (American Analog Set) with renewing his passion for music. On the verge of quitting the biz, Pond was asked to join Kenny's new band, the Wooden Birds. Spring Fools displays a newfound energy in Pond's craft, as "Love to Get Used" and "Lovers Always Win" come off as so optimistic and bright that the listener isn't sure whether to bob along or blush away. It's easy to see how the Wooden Birds influenced Matt Pond PA, as "Spring Fawn" owes a debt to American Analog Set, with its spacious guitar work and sputtering pace, while "Sugar Bush" was most likely influenced by Great Lake Swimmers (the Wooden Birds' touring partners), replicating Tony Dekker's breathy vocals and ebb-and-flow guitar work. But it's new member Leslie Sisson (also of the Wooden Birds) who makes Spring Fools a success, with her gorgeous vocals expertly complementing Pond, giving Matt Pond PA a bright future (once again) to look forward to.