Pond – ‘Stung!’ album review: a strong contender for their best yet
THE SKINNY: 16 years and ten albums is a domain many bands fail to reach. Yet, on their tenth effort, Stung!, Perth’s most eminent supergroup, Pond, affirm why they are one of the most accomplished and widely overlooked bands currently operating. The band offer plenty to explore on an extensive record, drawing upon life in all its glory and the collective power of making music. They do this with arguably more pertinence than ever.
Given the album’s length and contents, it does take a second for the penny to drop, but when it does, you’re fully absorbed. While the first listen might be more of a welcoming handshake introducing you to this space, it all starts to make sense when you return for the second and third. Nick Allbrook’s performances and lyrics are potent throughout, no matter what stylistic or emotional backdrop. He is supported by a band whose musical aptitude and invention are of supreme grade. They manage to be eclectic and engaging throughout, all the while triumphing in working under a specific and concise remit.
The only word of warning is to give it time. The tales that Allbrook spins, from the candid to the surreal, will start to wash over you as he and the band attempt to make sense of a world on the brink from the sanctuary that their musical and personal camaraderie offers. From rock epics to dance grooves and a hint of vaporwave, there’s a lot in store, with the group unfailingly bringing the zeal that has made them such a force for so long.
They might be well into their journey, but Pond have confirmed with Stung! that there is no limit to what they do, and the power, as Allbrook told Far Out, of not “churning things out”. Authenticity has always underpinned everything they’ve done, no matter what style or era, and on Stung! this spirit could not be clearer.
For fans of: Slowly uncovering the Tolstoyitan depth in The Big Lez Show… and then forgetting about it.
A concluding comment from Chris Morris’ The Day to Today: “It’s a bit long, and long doesn’t always equal clever.”
Stung! track by track:
Release Date: June 21st | Producer: Pond | Label: Spinning Top
‘Constant Picnic’: A compelling opener, the band kick off in style with arresting, 1980s-evoking guitars, heady textures and Allbrook’s soulful delivery. Prompting immense rumination like that of Pond’s frontman during Australia’s Black Summer, it’s significant that the group should choose to open with something so candid. [4/5]
‘(I’m) Stung’: Essentially the title track, this one references the in-joke that spawned the record’s name and sees the group get more lively musically. Comprised of Allbrook’s impassioned vocals, a funky bassline, glistening synths and an infectious chorus, it distils where Pond currently find themselves. It’s made for festival performances, just as the sun’s going down. [4/5]
‘Neon River’: One of the more narcotic numbers on Stung!, the wistful acoustic and floating vocal melody in the introduction make for a potent pairing before the band bursts through the mix with an assertive classic rock groove. Bouncing between two distinctive sentiments, this inherent friction reflects what makes Pond so great and their collective life experiences underpinning the record. The psychedelic bridge is absolutely exquisite. [4/5]
‘So Lo’: Funky as hell, boasting a choppy guitar line, Tina Weymouth-esque bassline, and another full-bodied chorus, you’d have to be a cold-hearted miser not to enjoy this one. It provides a bloody good time, something that Pond have been adept at since the start. [4/5]
‘Black Lung’: Opening with a swaggering riff underpinned by spacey synths, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a Tame Impala effort. Yet, it is not. This is Pond, confirmed by the sizzling attitude of Allbrook’s wailing vocal when it skewers the mix. It will surely go down as one of their best. [4/5]
‘Sunrise For The Lonely’: A return to the group’s more contemplative characteristics, a stoned beat, reverb-drenched vocals, and the chime of the keys create another moment of reflection that segues into an experimental space with the glitchy guitar solo at the end. [4/5]
‘Elf Bar Blues’: Perhaps tiptoeing on the border of the vaporwave realm, this juncture is one of the most welcome stunners found on Stung! It’s another track that could be listened to constantly on repeat; I imagine it’s best enjoyed with a spliff. [4.5/5]
‘Edge Of The World Pt. 3’: An all-encompassing sonic odyssey, this epic is arguably the best song on Stung! Making the listener feel like they are floating with the ice-cool groove, assertive bass work and array of other effective elements, such as the commanding bells and saxophone; something about it screams out to be included in a movie. It’s an absolute masterwork that has you fully immersed throughout. [5/5]
‘Stars in Silken Sheets’: By this point in Stung! it is clear that Pond have found a knack for dream-like compositions, with this 36-second effort one that you wish was much longer, but therein lies its brilliance. As with life itself, you can’t always get what you want. [4/5]
‘Boy’s Don’t Crash’: Another one that doesn’t mess around, from Allbrook’s passionate piping to the busy chord progression, this proggy jaunt is brimming with the energy that Pond unfailingly bring to the live arena. If this was the 1970s or even the mid-late 1990s, the band would be at the top of the charts with such a number – just listen to the screaming solo. The inclusion of Jay Watson singing with his toddler son at the end is also an effective moment. [4/5]
‘O, UV Ray’: One of the most majestic stops on Stung! this prismatic effort contains a strong hint of Spiritualised. Prompting an image of floating high in space, peering down at the Earth in all its glory and filth, much of this is suspended by the expressive slide guitar, beat, and one of the finest inclusions on the record, the swooning brass. Give these lads a medal. [4.5/5]
‘Last Elvis’: Even by the 12th stop, Pond continues to engage. Another spacey yarn afforded an extra dimension by Allbrook’s comedic lyrics, this track surprises with its bombastic but yearning chorus. I do wonder when the group will go for it and make a full-on rock opera. [4/5]
‘Elefant Gun’: Commencing with acoustic slides recalling chill ’90s pop, choral synth notes and a swollen bass, Pond never fail to amaze with their eclectic arsenal. In true form, it does not rest for too long in the opening scene before a blaring synth line breaks it up and keeps the interest running. [4/5]
‘Fell From Grace With The Sea’: Pond fittingly literary close to Stung! with a dramatic, piano-led number. “I am heavy, but I am not your brother,” Allbrook brilliantly sings just before the chorus washes over you. I won’t spoil it, but the finale is simply incredible. [5/5]
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