Indie-rock band The Natural Lines, helmed by Matt Pond and Chris Hansen with a revolving cast of bandmates, presents a warm, witty sound fresh off the release of their self-titled debut album.
Following their recent First Five EP, The Natural Lines—formerly known as Matt Pond PA—announce the release of their self-titled debut album, The Natural Lines, via Bella Union. Recorded with close collaborators and friends over a period that saw Pond make vital adjustments to his life, its stealth emergence reflects his desire to set a fresh pace for himself and come from somewhere new, somewhere more open.
For Pond, the album follows two decades’ worth of Matt Pond PA records and soundtrack works in which he traveled far, moving from his band’s starting point in Philadelphia to Florida, Oakland, and beyond while releasing 14 well-received albums. In 2017, he declared his intent to retire the Matt Pond PA name, though it lived on briefly in the reissue of The State Of Gold and EPs such as Free Fall, a tribute to Philadelphia.
Now, the name change honors his collaborators. Among a revolving cast, one constant presence in his work has been Chris Hansen, who plays guitar, bass, keys, saxophone, and vocals on The Natural Lines’ debut. Matt’s partner, Anya Marina, contributes vocals. Other band members number Hilary James (cello/vocals), Kyle Kelly-Yahner (drums), Louie Lino (keys), Sarah Hansen (horns), Sean Hansen (drums/bass), Kat Murphy (vocals) and, also on vocals, MJ Murphy.
A heartening rebirth for Pond and his friends, the result also pays warming, witty, reflective and infectious testimony to the value of reconfiguring one’s outlook.