The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand
Matt Pond PA · 2013
35 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A shimmering blend of orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics creates an evocative atmosphere throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let Me Live — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent melody and introspective lyrics, effectively establishing the album's emotional landscape.
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Bring Back the Orchestra — In this song, lush orchestral elements combine with poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to weave complex emotions into their sound.
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The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of self-reflection and identity, highlighted by an arresting musical arrangement that lingers long after it ends.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends orchestral elements with indie rock, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesive themes.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of orchestral instruments, with strings and woodwinds layered beneath the guitar-driven melodies.
- Lyrically, the songs often explore personal themes, with introspective verses that build into more expansive choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- delicate instrumentation for reflection
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Marked a notable artistic evolution with intricate instrumentation and lyrical depth.
- Career context
- By 2013, Matt Pond PA had established a solid presence in the indie rock scene with multiple albums behind them. 'The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand' marked their first release after signing with a new label, reflecting a renewed creative energy and evolution in their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Paper Kites· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Human Beings
A shift occurs when the narrator confronts existential questions directly, challenging both themselves and their listeners.
This direct confrontation adds a layer of urgency to the narrative, propelling the listener to engage deeply with the song's philosophical inquiries.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Let Me Live 3:42
- 2 Love to Get Used 3:31
- 3 Starlet 3:54
- 4 When the Moon Brings the Silver 3:09
- 5 Go Where the Leaves Go 3:42
- 6 Bring Back the Orchestra 3:08
- 7 Hole in My Heart 3:19
- 8 Human Beings 3:52
- 9 The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand 4:28
- 10 Strafford 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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