Despite his embrace of the sensitive-bearded-guy-with-a-guitar routine, Matt Pond's music employs myriad subtle styles and colorful ornamentation paddling beneath the placid surface of his music. Since forming Matt Pond PA in 1998, this Pennsylvania native (duh) continues to use his eponymous band as a vehicle to harness a creative mix of Americana, stylish acoustic rock, and an uncanny vocal resemblance to Robert Smith of the Cure. Touring on the April release of The Dark Leaves, Pond and his crew spill into the University of Miami to entice the eardrums of urbanites who live their lives to tracks full of emotive, mature travel music.