Matt Pond PA is lush and immersive at Underground Arts

Matt Pond PA | photo by Michelle Montgomery for WXPN | michellemontgomeryphotography.com

Indie rock/chamber pop group Matt Pond PA played a captivating set on Friday night at Underground Arts in support of their recently released album, Winter Lives. Also on the bill were openers Moving Panoramas and Joy Riding.

Philly based indie rock band Joy Riding opened up the show with an energetic set of songs off their self-released EPs and a few new songs off their upcoming full-length debut album, You’re So Smart, scheduled for release sometime in 2017. Comprised of members Joseph Ryan, Kerry Mahoney, John Masino and Scott Rumble, the guys quickly got the show off to a great start with their fun set.

Dream pop band Moving Panoramas took over the stage next, filling the venue with their hazy psych pop sound. Currently touring in support of their debut LP, One, the Austin-based band played a tight and catchy set of great music. The intricate harmonies created between lead singer/guitarist Leslie Sisson and keyboardist/vocalist Cara Tillman were impressive and sonically pleasing throughout their set, and Sisson’s guitar playing was fantastic. Overall, Moving Panoramas played an awesome set, and if you haven’t heard their music yet, definitely check them out.

Headliner Matt Pond PA took the stage last, playing a well-rounded set. The band pulled material from their impressively lengthy discography of 11 full-length albums and several EPs. The band is currently touring the northeast in support of their independently produced album, Winter Lives, released in November. Matt Pond PA opened up the set with “A Candle and a Deck of Cards,” a beautiful and lush instrumental song off Winter Lives. The crowd was quickly immersed in the band’s emotionally driven and sonically pleasing music. Following, Matt Pond joined the rest of the band onstage and they played a collection of older favorites starting with “First Song” during the first half of the set. Judging by the amount of cheering, songs “Halloween” and “KC” were clear crowd favorites.

The band did not ignore their Philly roots, and referenced times previously spent in Philly throughout the night. They produced a lush and full sound with Pond on lead vocals and guitar, supported by collaborator/producer Chris Hansen on guitar, Shawn Alpay on cello, and a bassist and drummer. Midway through the set, Moving Panoramas’ and previous Matt Pond PA guitarist Leslie Sisson joined the band on supporting vocals and guitar for a few new songs including “In Winter” and “Whoa.” The band wrapped up the rest of the set playing a mix of new and old songs, closing out the night with an energetic encore of “Last Song” and “Measure 3.”

Check out Matt Pond PA’s set list and photos from the show in the gallery below.

Setlist
A Candle and a Deck of Cards
First Song
Starting
Halloween
So Much Trouble
KC
Starlet
Ruins
In Winter
Whoa
From Debris
Love to Get Used
The Glow
New Hampshire
Specks

Encore:
Last Song
Measure 3