Pond // Man It Feels Like Space Again

Did the Perth band deliver on their most recent instalment of psychedelic absurdity?

Pond's sixth official studio album 'Man It Feels Like Space Again' has been 45 minutes of psychedelic musical genius which my ears have revelled in several times since it's release. An album branded by the band themselves as 'slightly more sophisticated than the previous one' (Hobo Rocket) blends fantastical galactic sounds with the excessive but adequate use of synthesisers and keyboards accompanied by Nick Albrook's suitably erratic but lingering vocals to create an entirely psychedelic extravaganza.

The record takes the listener to a place far from where they are listening to it, something which is suitably fitting with the space theme. This can partly be down to the fact that the whole album seemingly morphs into one gigantic piece of music with how it's been edited and the nature of the transition from song to song. It's mood cannot be described singularly as songs like the first track 'Waiting Around For Grace', 'Elvis' Flaming Star', 'Zond' and 'Outside Is The Right Side' characterize the record's more upbeat, positive and fulfilling aspect although adversely, 'Holding Out For You', 'Heroic Shart', 'Medicine Hat' and 'Sitting Upon Our Crane' to an extent give the album it's more melancholy, thought provoking and maybe even sincere tone. The nature of the melodies and Albrook's vocals play a dominating part in this. Although, in songs like 'Waiting Around For Grace' and the last title track, the tone shifts at a certain point in the song, or even at several points, and this could even be described as a characteristic of Pond since it is exhibited in previous releases. In particular, the title track almost sounds like 2 or 3 different songs in one with the change in beats and melodies throughout which runs in accordance with the varying mood created by the 8 minute long track.

This release is sure to do wonders for the fan base of this Australian band with them already establishing a bit of a cult following particularly in the UK and the US because of their affiliations with perhaps the most popular and well-known current psych band, Tame Impala. Australian Psychedelia and this band particularly have had quite a significant effect on me and others I'm sure, and on our musical preferences particularly. This wonderfully experimental and unique genre and the bands exhibiting it arguably deserve further recognition for their work and this new release from Pond will certainly go a long way to achieving this.
Pond come to the UK this month as part of their album tour in which they'll play 6 dates starting at 'The Leadmill' in Sheffield on the 20th February and finishing at the Bristol Fleece on the 27th. There is an abundance of tickets available for the majority of the venues so if there's even a minuscule part of you that's debating on whether to get involved with this tour then don't pass up the opportunity to see this fantastic live act and give them the support they deserve. If you're in this state of mind, tickets are available here: http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/pond

I shall leave you with the video for the title track Man It Feels Like Space Again which hallmarks their hilariously bonkers outlook on music videos:

Keep up with Pond:
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Luke Jewell, (@heroicshart)

The Black Delta Movement

The Black Delta Movement are a four piece band from Hull comprising of Matt Burr (6 and 12 string guitar and vocals), Dom Abbott (guitar and vocals), Jack Brown (drums) and Liam Kerman (bass). The band boasts a sound similar to Kasabian, dark and slightly psychedelic while rich in rock sounds.

The two songs I've managed to get my dirty little fingers on are 'The Messenger' and 'Ivory Shakes', two songs which both express the ability and beauty of the band.

'The Messenger' hosts the perfect stomping beat to get your emotions, and energy, out on. The band has also managed to include perfect guitar sounds, a vibrating, echoing jangle of stringed noise. As the track builds momentum, it becomes a song which picks up your spirits and throws them higher than a song should be able to, a song which makes you heart balloon with excitement and elation, I'm not sure what happened to make the song so good but it is the sort of thing you play loud and proud.

'Ivory Shakes' features stumbling riffs which crash over a bold beat, dominant vocals which ends up repeating in your head and the perfect crescendo of notes. While the lyrics "She knows where she'd rather be" make you wonder where you would rather be, I can definitely say I'd rather stay and listen to their music for a little while longer.


You can follow the bands Twitter, like their Facebook page or check out their shop.

em, (@emiemzy)

The Everglows

The Everglows are a three piece band hailing from East London comprising of Andy Smith (guitar/vocals), Ray Brodrick (drums) and Steve Perkins (bass). The band have been influenced by sounds such as the 60's Mod, psychedelia and Britpop which is obvious when listening to some of their music.

One of the songs that has been recently added to their song book is 'Sugary Sun', a lively, fast paced track. With a rapid beat that never seems to stop and fuzzy guitar and vocal notes, 'Suary Sun' is a song you should take note of as it radiates groove and good vibes. The only downside to this track is the length, the experiance of the song is over within two and a half minutes.

Another track to listen to is 'That Other Girl', a slightly slower, clearer song. This track boasts repetitive and infectious guitar riffs and powerful vocals that proves the emotion in this song.

You can follow the band on Twitter, like their Facebook page or check out their YouTube channel for all of the bands updates and new music.
You can listen to their music on Soundcloud or visit their Bandcamp page.

em, (@emiemzy)