Matthew And The Arrogant Sea and the barreling psychedelic love song "Strange Couple of Birds"

 

"strange couple of birds / I know they're weird but how absurd / steal lines from the show / without her star your moon won't glow / quick, pass me the pipe / I find meaning when the embers are bright..." 


The average indie band in the United States has a fair amount of success, builds a pretty large fanbase and maybe acquire a solid two thousand true believers (fans) and then break up around a decade of trying to become their idea of big. Big enough to quite their day jobs, big enough to be a household name in indie circles. Denton, Texas indie rock stalwarts Matthew And The Arrogant Sea are an exceptional exception. Birthed in 2001 and centered around frontman / founder Matthew Gray, they have grown a passionate following for over two decades. That is rare these days. If you ask me, it is because their crafting sonic art and sharing it isn't a function of success or not, nor is it a function of ego or adulation (despite the band's name), but instead, they still exist because making songs and sharing them is like breathing for these guys. It is simply what they have to do, what they do. I would bring up the shark analogy but it is a tired one. 

"Strange Couple of Birds" from their latest full length "If You Find Yourself Floating Away" straddles 90's bohemian folk under pinned indie rock in an almost R.E.M way with psych folk rock iterations in a 2000's Modest Mouse way and sprinklings of The Flaming Lips. Matthew Gray, as a matter of course has a voice that is saturated both in melancholia and psychotropic things (figuratively speaking or not). It is as if he is looking up at the stars or the ceiling of the venue he is playing at and privy to seeing things that we don't, can't see. 

That makes sense, especially with this track. Gray shares: 

"This tune is a love song to the D.I.Y touring community. For all those nights we burned ever brightly, waiting until God knows what time to play. it was a magical era of indie rock. This song is dedicated to all the Strange Birds, we have met along the way."

Matthew And The Arrogant Sea will undoubtedly be here (and around here) for the next 20 years. That is a wonderful thing for those of us who will still be here and sad for those of us who are not. 

-Robb Donker Curtius

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM 

https://www.facebook.com/Matthewandthearrogantsea/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6md5awM3LGuP8VM04YqM2n

https://matthewandthearrogantsea.bandcamp.com/track/hit-me-up-hard-times

https://www.instagram.com/matthewandthearrogantsea/

https://www.makeamericaweirdagain.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewandthearrogantsea

Matthew and The Arrogant Sea is an indie rock band hailing from Denton, TX, that has been captivating audiences worldwide for over 20 years. Fronted and founded by the enigmatic Matthew Gray, the band has received numerous accolades and critical acclaim since their national debut in 2009.

With their distinct sound and captivating live performances, Matthew and The Arrogant Sea has captured the hearts of fans all over the globe. Their music is a unique blend of indie rock, folk, and psychedelic influences, infused with Gray's poignant lyricism and haunting vocals.

The Band is comprised of the very talented: Matthew Gray, Blake Vickrey, Tony Whitlock, Hagen Hauschild, and Pablo Alzate, they have built a reputation for their electrifying live shows, often leaving audiences in a state of euphoria.

Despite being in the industry for over two decades, Matthew and The Arrogant Sea continues to push the boundaries of their sound and creativity. Their forthcoming LP "If you find yourself floating away" promises to be another exceptional addition to their discography, showcasing their musical prowess and songwriting skills.

With their unwavering dedication to their craft and their passionate fanbase, Matthew and The Arrogant Sea is a band that shows no signs of slowing down. They remain an important and influential force in the indie rock scene and continue to inspire and delight audiences with their captivating music.

Matthew And The Arrogant Sea, core songwriter Matthew Gray, indie rock, folk rock, bohemian folk rock, alt rock, psych folk, psychrock, "Strange Couple of Birds", new album "If You Find Yourself Floating Away",