The latest album "So It Goes" by Matt Otis and the Sound = catchy/thought-provoking multi-layered vocals with significant elements of rock, americana, indie, and folk (think CCR/Mumford and Sons meets Rusted Root/Radiohead. In addition to the album's overall catchiness, Otis' lyrics asks listeners "Can lyrics provoke deeper questions unto where our society is heading?" In an attempt to do just this, the lyrical themes question if humans should focus more on genuine human interaction as opposed to a more social-media infused society. Is social media making the 21st century into a modern apathetic dystopia? The song "Frozen Moments" suggests that people focus too much on capturing real moments/love with their phone as opposed to actually living the moment. While we try to freeze moments and post on social media, we ultimately devalue the beauty of the actual moment in addition to devaluing the person who is actually physically there. Question: Do you feel as if the time we waste following political trends causes us to waste our lives and genuine human experience? The title track "So It Goes" questions if our society has placed such an emphasis on politics that it has alienated people from one another. Another track "Melancholia" is a direct reference to the movie by Lars Von Trier, where the inevitable end of the world will take place. Despite the end of the world, the lyrics dive into how humans respond to the end. Some have sex, some take their own lives, some accept the end for what it is and simply move on with their day. The song ultimately suggests we should embrace life regardless of its finiteness. In addition to the various lyrical quandaries/ruminations, the album’s sound is distinct in that each song has it’s own flavor. “Home” is set in the style of folk-alternative rock, while “Sea of Green” uses Otis’ cat’s meow as an instrument in addition various ambient sounds. Matt Otis and the Sound consists of: Matt Otis (Vocals/Guitar/Synth/Auxiliary Percussion/Composer) Charlie McClanahan (Drums/Vocals Auxiliary Percussion) Kent Tonkin (Bass) Alyssa Smith (Vocals) Harry Pepper (Djembe/Auxiliary Percussion)