Matt Pond PA’s latest album, The Dark Leaves, is a short collection of soothing rock songs that seem to wash over you like a nice breeze. It will make you smile, bob your head and tap your foot but these tunes won’t get you out of your chair. There are minor elements of Arcade Fire’s “Funeral” or early “New Amsterdams” but unfortunately Matt Pond lacks the passion to make his songs a bit more endearing. In his defense, “The Dark Leaves” is a somber, beautiful album true to the style of previous mpPA releases. “Specks” and “Ruins” are solid tracks but “Running Wild” is probably the most enjoyable song on the album. I’ve been a big fan of Matt Pond’s past EPs like “Winter Songs” and “If You Want Blood” but his full albums failed to keep my attention. This release lands somewhere in between as I am sure it will get some rotation on long drives and summer beach days.