Matthew and the Arrogant Sea Return With Their Groundbreaking Album “If You Find Yourself Floating Away”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Hailing from Denton, Texas, Matthew and the Arrogant Sea is an indie-rock band that has been captivating listeners for over two decades. With their innate ability to craft sensible songs that pull at their audience’s heartstrings, they have continued to grow a dedicated fanbase. Their music is relatable, genuine, and dynamic. Making their national debut in 2009, the band is fronted and founded by Matthew Gray. Although everyone loves a frontman, the talented band is comprised of Blake Vickrey, Tony Whitlock, Hagen Hauschild, & Pablo Azalte.
When describing their sound, I would say it’s a blend of indie-rock, rock, and psychedelic influences. Think Modest Mouse as a good comparison. With their unwavering dedication to their craft, the band has continued to evolve and remain a crowd favorite. Their ability to adapt and add elements to keep their sound refreshing has allowed them to have a long career. Now, the debut on our pages with their latest album “If You Find Yourself Floating Away”. The 12-track album is another exceptional addition to their discography, showcasing their musical prowess and songwriting skills.
Following their previous album "The Glooms Pt.1", "If You Find Yourself Floating Away" is by far the bands most mature and sincere work to date. The records are dynamic, introspective, and their sonics are otherworldly. When discussing projects, I always search for cohesive bodies of work and this is just that! Although I enjoyed the whole project, my favorite songs were “Target” & “A Little Off”. “Targets” was recorded at the award-winning Redwood Studios, and it explores overcoming toxic masculinity in various relationships. For me, the record is about embracing yourself and breaking free of the ignorance of past generations. The record is thought-provoking, and it challenges listeners in a way that is honest & insightful. “A Little Off” is a sonic masterpiece that is laced with captivating melodies, engaging songwriting, and an ear-worm hook. The record takes you on a sonic journey as it discusses personal liberation, resilience, and self-acceptance. Overall, this has been one of my favorite albums of the year. Stream it below and add it to your rotation.
