The Bean turned me on to the post-punky, garage sounds of Chicago’s The Ponys two years ago and I absolutely loved their second album Celebration Castle from 2005. Though I had their debut release as well I never listened to it, and I can’t for the life of me think of a reason why. Now I feel like I’ve cheated myself for not listening to it sooner, so before my self-resentment reaches unhealthy heights, I think I’m gonna have to pick up their third album Turn The Lights Out which came out earlier this year.
After listening to both albums I love them equally, but for different reasons. Laced With Romance has a rawer, messier feel, but that’s a good thing. It gives their music a sense of immediacy that the more polished Celebration Castle lacks. That’s not meant as criticism, I just found that most great first albums have that magical combination of ambition, enthusiasm, and a hint of desperation which can never exactly be recaptured in following works. Luckily, in the case of The Ponys they seemed to get more comfortable with their sound by their second album, which allowed a deeper exploration of what makes them unique. Laced With Romance opens up with “Let’s Kill Ourselves”, a song so exhillirating that I felt compelled to turn up the volume until there was a faint ringing in my ear by the end of it. You’re gonna want to risk your hearing for these guy, because from the first tunes you’ll find that this album is best enjoyed with the speakers turned to LOUD.
The Ponys – Let’s Kill Ourselves
The Ponys – Fall In
The Ponys – I Love You ‘Cause (You Look Like Me)
I wonder how well the band can hear…saw them a few weeks ago and wow, was it loud! Great sounds though – you might need twice the earplugs if you go to hear them play.