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Mar 08, 2012 Web Exclusive By J. Pace

Pond—not to be confused with the great grunge-era group of the same name—share a few members with Tame Impala, and that fact alone probably gives you a few (safe) assumptions. Indeed, this stuff is soaked in the same psychedelic sunshine; the same throwback, compression-heavy recording flavor; and the same fuzz guitar as their Perth, Australia sister band.

Pond’s music leans a little more joyous, perhaps, and is more infused with glam and classic rock. “You Broke My Cool,” for example, dances back and forth between a Dungen-esque instrumental refrain (complete with flute) and T. Rex-flavored swagger. It’s not the only time they bring Marc Bolan to mind: see “Moth Wings” for more.

As for the joy accompanying the glam, it’s audible from the get-go, in the upbeat bounce of opener “Fantastic Explosion of Time,” or in the Aquarius-aged freakout of “Sun and Sea and You.” It’s also in the cheeky liner notes, the interstitial chatter, and the carefree recording style. Look at the title—Pond revel in fun, just as effortlessly as Tame Impala do in cool. While they’ll tire of the comparisons (considering the lineup, they’re inevitable—or even essential), in a weird way they needn’t worry: it’s apples and oranges. (http://www.facebook.com/pondling)

Author rating: 6/10