Despite the intimidating album title, much of “The Green Fury” is perfect for a leisurely drive or frolic in the spring. matt pond PA’s organic and earthy songs are filled with orchestrated layers of cello, violin, guitars, horns and snare-heavy percussion that melt into rich textures. The complex but streamlined strategy resembles bluegrass in theory, yet is rarely comparable in sound. With each pleasing backdrop in place, Matt Pond wonders aloud about mundane topics like “why it becomes night” and that “silence is beautiful” in his subtle and strained though melodic voice. There are a couple of flat spots in the early part of the refreshing journey, and the album’s short length suggests that there weren’t any reserve ideas to take their places. But focus on the thirty minutes of highlights and you’ve got plenty of beautiful moments. This is the kind of music that college kids everywhere will eat up, so get to it before it becomes an overblown national phenomenon.

- Dave Powers
(As posted 1/28/02 on 3wk.com)