HOBO ROCKET

When prolific psychedelic pop musicians are going crazy (a bit) ... eh ... what should be expected then afterwards? POND is related to the Australian band Tame Impala, due to the fact that multi-instrumentalists Nick Allbrook and Jay Watson as well as occasionally drummer Kevin Parker were, respectively are, active for both bands. Now Allbrock seems to have quit his collaboration with Tame Impala completely though in the meanwhile. Anyhow, with good reason you still can say that POND is the experimental incarnation of both, also equipped with a progressive rock signature more distinctly.

Where I find the 2010 'Corridors Of Blissterday' recordings way more space rock and jam oriented, all their albums have a common ground more or less, the affinity to the early Syd Barrett coloured Pink Floyd, which is occasionally shimmering through. With a running time of 34 minutes approximately 'Hobo Rocket' does not belong to the opulent exemplars of course, not a surprise really on the other hand, when you have a look at the other albums.

This is strictly song oriented, I mean there's any kind of jam approach missing on this occasion, however music offered with proper finesse. The album's kick off forces headbanging while showing a heavy energetic expression with Whatever Happened To The Million Head Collide and Xanman. But soon they provide other features with the lovely floating O Dharma - a slight oriental touch, and the vocals are simply fantastic, this mirrors a typical late 60's vibe.

Underlayed by dramatic organ and heavy guitar riffs Aloneaflameaflower gets close to some Black Sabbath doom sentiment where the album title track on the other hand, though surely experimental, is not able to light my fire (yet). Featuring intriguing multi-layered guitar work the closing krautrock iinfluenced Midnight Mass may be considered as another highlight. Tending towards a more heavy psychedelic mode of expression this time, POND have delivered another respectable output in 2013 - 3.5 stars.