Matthew and the Arrogant Sea: “Mock Origami”
Denton, Texas musicians, Eric Pulido (guitarist for the epic indie-rock band, Midlake) and classically trained singer/songwriter Robert Gomez have started a record label, Nova Posta Vinyl. Nova Posta’s inaugural release is from a North Texas band called Matthew and the Arrogant Sea. The six-piece, led by Matthew Gray, features four of Gray’s family members and a pair of friends.
With a mix of hushed Devendra Banhart-style “freak folk” and larger, more orchestrated overtones (clearly an influence of Pulido and Gomez), Matthew and the Arrogant Sea has crafted a playfully ponderous debut album, called Family, Family, Family Meets the Magic Christian. Songs like “Mock Origami” have a retro, 1960s or ‘70s feel without sounding old or forced.
“And we all wave our hands goodbye,” Gray sings at the end of “Mock Origami” – somewhat ironically. Because it seems, under the watchful eyes of Pulido and Gomez, Matthew and the Arrogant Sea will be around for awhile.
