Several Arrows Later
by Matt Pond
  • Record Label: Altitude
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2005
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    A gimmick-free indie-rock record that's both instantly gratifying and that seems destined to join the timeless-pop pantheon. [Dec 2005, p.202]
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    There aren't many bands around that manage to create music as good as this out of such familiar and somewhat obvious sources.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    There's no real reason for them to tamper with a fine formula.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Languid indie pop in the Nada Surf vein. [14 Oct 2005, p.155]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    His songs are hardly ever about anything special, with zero narrative twists or day-to-day details. It's almost like he wants to keep his personality hidden, because it would detract from the beauty of the music. In his case, he's probably right.
  7. Under The Radar
    70
    Whereas the band's earlier releases took a distinct chamber pop approach, the songs on Several Arrows Later have a more direct pop feel. [#11, p.107]
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  8. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    67
    Pond's songs are the alt-rock equivalent of what used to be called New Yorker short stories: subtly realized domestic epiphanies often involving tame nature imagery.
  9. Lost At Sea
    65
    At times perplexingly distant.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. ChadS
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    Matt Pond PA sounds like a less wussy-Toad the Wet Sprocket. If Pond sold out, he could easily have written "All I Want". I think the best Matt Pond PA sounds like a less wussy-Toad the Wet Sprocket. If Pond sold out, he could easily have written "All I Want". I think the best track is "It is Safe". I can see the beach Pond is waxing melancholic about. There's more adventurous bands out there, but how is that Animal Collective album going to sound in twenty years? You're more likely to reach for "Several Arrows Later".… Full Review »
  2. matta
    Dec 28, 2005
    8
    Very fine album. He's compared by one reviewer to Nada Surf, but this is Stronger than Nada Surf's latest release. Really not a bad Very fine album. He's compared by one reviewer to Nada Surf, but this is Stronger than Nada Surf's latest release. Really not a bad song, and a few really great ones (Halloween, Several Arrows Later). The people giving low marks are most likely a bunch of Sleater-Kinney, Hypermagic Mountain fans who don't want to admit to liking instrospective, quieter music because they are afraid of being labeled as pussies.… Full Review »
  3. Bailey
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    A great CD -- reminds me of very early REM, with a dreamy, multilayered sound and amazing hooks. I've already had four songs on "repeat" A great CD -- reminds me of very early REM, with a dreamy, multilayered sound and amazing hooks. I've already had four songs on "repeat" -- it's been years since I bought a CD that made me do that.… Full Review »
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