Embrace the Fall and the Reconstruction [free Lp]

For me, fall comes with a distinct mood that favors independent coffee shops, thrift stores, and old, aromatic books. Anything with a well-worn, grungy, homey feel gives me the coziest autumn vibes — perhaps it’s the onset of cool weather? My internal clock ticking into “collegiate” mode? Fall is also the season when I always get into a ton of garage-ey, ultra-indie alt rock bands. My obsession this year is Matt Jones and the Reconstruction (@mattjonesmusic), hailing from my beloved home state of Michigan.

Matt Jones and the Reconstruction is comprised of the man himself, as well as Collette Alexander on the cello and singer Misty Lyn. Back in November of 2005, the group released their first EP, Right To Arms. Since then, based out of Ypsilanti (a city which happens to house one of my all-time favorite cafés), the band has been playing lots of local shows, touring the Midwest and East Coast, and putting forth two full-lengths.

Their most recent release, Half Poison, Half Pure, fits in perfectly with my ideal fall mood. Colorful and buoyant, it features creative melodies, sturdy beats, and playful vocals paired perfectly with a professional, self-assured Chris Bathgate-influenced sound and touches of the homemade — quirky bits of dialog and beautiful little imperfections scattered here and there. This is the kind of album that inherently makes you crave a live show (which, by the way, I hear are fantastic). So, go ahead and set the teapot going, curl up with your favorite book, and put Matt Jones on loop. You’ll love it.