Pony Face - Hypnotised (27/09/2012)
Brilliant Melbourne trio, Pony Face bring their sophomore album "Hypnotised" to the table after the success of their first LP, "Stars Are Bright".
Their grit-atmosphere of sound really brings memories of the Drones and the Black Angels and they simply do not disappoint on this album. "Alabama" easily proved my favourite track, the mellow guitar driven song paves the way for Pony Face to stand out from the rabble of bland pub bands.
Single chord structure with driving bass and drums followed up by splashes of diving guitar creates the pure summer tune that will be caged in my head for the next few months. The dynamic building vocals make this song so lovable, yells of “I’m so sorry Alabama” keeps the pace steady and truly shimmering.
A track that really surprised me was "Hypnotised", yes the title track, hah. The soft acoustic with the mellowed out vocals of Simon Bailey really set the mood. Organs, tremolo guitar, perfect percussion left the vocal harmonies to amaze. It’s losing your mind into a somber world, the song you could almost have an epiphany to.
“Lady Land”, a beautifully atmospheric landscape that you cannot help but just let your jaw drop in awe. Remnants of Grizzly Bear's "Yellow House" snuck into it with it’s layer upon layer upon layer of recording masterwork. The mix of slowly picked guitar chords and drone noises hidden into the background, really lets the workmanship with effects pedals and synths let loose. This would soundtrack the end of any three-day festival as all patrons drowsily stumble out of the gates with what green, pills or alcohol left on them.
Eerily standing at the end lies “Stripper” (let’s hope it isn’t an ode to King St), five minutes and twenty-four seconds of pure creep-psychedelia. Droned bass guitar mashed with the simple yet haunting drums leaves the floor open for Bailey’s “I love you so much” to drill into your mind and leave you chilled to the bone but intrigued for more and more. Although it may take a play or two, Pony Face’s “Hypnotised” is a brilliant piece of work, mixed wonderfully and really sets the bar on the Melbourne music scene. They’re currently halfway through their “Hypnotised” tour around Australia, I highly recommend you go forth and set out to see them.
Ben Filer
Their grit-atmosphere of sound really brings memories of the Drones and the Black Angels and they simply do not disappoint on this album. "Alabama" easily proved my favourite track, the mellow guitar driven song paves the way for Pony Face to stand out from the rabble of bland pub bands.
Single chord structure with driving bass and drums followed up by splashes of diving guitar creates the pure summer tune that will be caged in my head for the next few months. The dynamic building vocals make this song so lovable, yells of “I’m so sorry Alabama” keeps the pace steady and truly shimmering.
A track that really surprised me was "Hypnotised", yes the title track, hah. The soft acoustic with the mellowed out vocals of Simon Bailey really set the mood. Organs, tremolo guitar, perfect percussion left the vocal harmonies to amaze. It’s losing your mind into a somber world, the song you could almost have an epiphany to.
“Lady Land”, a beautifully atmospheric landscape that you cannot help but just let your jaw drop in awe. Remnants of Grizzly Bear's "Yellow House" snuck into it with it’s layer upon layer upon layer of recording masterwork. The mix of slowly picked guitar chords and drone noises hidden into the background, really lets the workmanship with effects pedals and synths let loose. This would soundtrack the end of any three-day festival as all patrons drowsily stumble out of the gates with what green, pills or alcohol left on them.
Eerily standing at the end lies “Stripper” (let’s hope it isn’t an ode to King St), five minutes and twenty-four seconds of pure creep-psychedelia. Droned bass guitar mashed with the simple yet haunting drums leaves the floor open for Bailey’s “I love you so much” to drill into your mind and leave you chilled to the bone but intrigued for more and more. Although it may take a play or two, Pony Face’s “Hypnotised” is a brilliant piece of work, mixed wonderfully and really sets the bar on the Melbourne music scene. They’re currently halfway through their “Hypnotised” tour around Australia, I highly recommend you go forth and set out to see them.
Ben Filer