Mathieu Santos

Add Date: July 19 

Artist: Mathieu Santos 

Album: Massachusetts 2010 

Label: Barsuk 

Genre: Rock, chamber pop 

Comments: Here's the solo debut from Mathieu Santos, best known for his excellent work as the bassist for Ra Ra Riot. (You've heard that stunning bass line in "Boy", right?) The songs on Massachusetts 2010 won't sound foreign to fans of Santos' band--especially the alternate version of "Massachusetts", a track that Santos co-wrote with Wes Miles for last year's The Orchard LP--but they also draw on some influences that aren't quite as prevalent in Ra Ra Riot's music. There's a lot of Pet Sounds here, particularly on the first half of the LP; plenty of The Police; and even some pseudo-tropical pop that brings to mind Panda Bear or Islands.

In other words, Massachusetts 2010 will simultaneously appeal to Ra Ra Riot fans while standing on its own as a fine solo effort. Check out "I Can Hear the Trains Coming", "Northern Mentality" and "I'd Go".