It wasn’t a near-death experience, but it was enough to compel Matt Pond to hit the reset button. The newly emancipated, New Hampshire-bred frontguy for the ever-morphing outfit Matt Pond PA broke his leg on tour in 2011. Shaken by the freak occurrence and the ensuing surgery, Pond finished out the tour sitting down, then headed to St. Augustine, Fla., to convalesce with friends. Once there, he quickly took to the funky, historic northeast Florida town’s laid-back lifestyle and Southern lilt. A rejuvenated sheen permeates The Lives Inside The Lines Of Your Hands (BMG)—especially the new album’s ebullient first half. It isn’t so much that Pond has abandoned the autumnal, inward-delving perspective that pervaded 2010’s The Dark Leaves, or his long-established penchant for overt melancholy. But he has given both a thorough airing out with a blast of smog-free, temperate air. Pond will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new feature on him.
Pond: What was once a just a coffee and video store has expanded into foodstuffs and liquor. Their brunch and tequila drinks have not failed me yet. Sometimes when I blink, I believe a Lawn Wrangler will suddenly appear in front of my mouth.
The staff are in another world, and I want to go to that world.
It’s not always about the people or the place, though; Stardust has been the catalyst for some kick-ass times. I gravitate to spots that can allay my anxiety. Or more, places that can accelerate the celebrations.
By the way, across the street is one of the best record stores in the country, Park Ave CDs.
Video after the jump.
