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Matthew and The Arrogant Sea are a 6 man group out of Denton, Texas featuring 4 family members (it’s obvious with 3 of them – they share a surname). Each member has their own solo project ranging from Ambience to Folk, Electronic to Pop. From all six members they were able to mash up styles to form an album that mixes folk with experimental tendencies.

Fortunately for me, Matthew and The Arrogant Sea have every right to be arrogant as they’ve released an absolutely wonderful release. Unfortunately for the rest of the internet, I’ve just read mediocre reviews and am totally baffled by the use of the word “redundant” or even “boring” to be considered among this album.

Simply this album is a stand out.

I was first was a little worried when seeing that they released an album called Family Family Family Meets The Magic Christian. First off why the 3 Familes? Also being an agnostic/simply a theist I was a little worried I would be getting a “religious” album. While there was some titles that seemed (or seems) questionable like “Last Time I Saw Jesus”, there was more then meets the eye.

The album starts off with “Within The Universe” with the line “All my friends are aliens baby” sung as it’s pseudo-chorus. They experiment a lot here but remain relaxed/quiet and it seems as if Mathhew and The Arrogant Sea are just getting warmed up. Not a bad song, I actually kind of like listening to it even if it seems Animal Collective like (good or bad I guess).

The next track, is one of my favorite off the album: “Marry Me Annie”. In folk style guitaring, Matthew Gray ultimately shows off his weaker side with his insecurities and doubts and ultimate feels genuine in his light pursuits. A very simplistic song that captures many feelings all at once. I can’t help but think of this track as an opposite to St. Vincent (her real name Annie Clark)’s Marry Me. Where St. Vincent is strong in her pursuits this is a complete 360 turn with Matt sounding quirky at best and they break into a banjo outro.

MATAS immediately changes pace with Olive was an Oliver, an interesting pun on names. Which is simple a folk song about a girl named Olive but played to a more pop oriented style. They are also not short on references as well, with a track titled Solomon Burke Greatest a hits, and a You Still Love Me Blondie, which I believe, is a Debbie Harry reference. Both tracks are great though I’m having trouble with liner notes. However, “You Still Love Me Blondie” almost uses some kind of denial while showing off some sort of obsession.

Then there are the group of the very strong songs, Mock Origami, The Zoot, Pretty Purple Top Hat, The Wizard basically are top notch songs. With each song doing something new sonically, vocally or adding new instruments all together. Where the hell is the lack of creativity in that AbsolutePunk?

I do have some question marks, two weird songs the aforementioned Last Time I Saw Jesus feels out of place…it may be a nice funny thing to have… seeing Jesus everywhere but I didn’t like this track. I’m still trying to find out the mean behind the title “Negro Jewish”.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
One of the better albums I’ve heard all year. I’m having trouble choosing which songs to let you hear because almost all of them are worthwhile and that’s no bullshit. There’s a ton of experimentation, think of a folk Islands and the creativity is endless on this album.

Marry Me Annie by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea

Purple Top Hat by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea

You Still Love Me Blondie by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea

Tags: album