SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PONY – VELVETEEN

PONY
Velveteen
Take This To Heart Records

Certain bands wear nostalgia beautifully and perfectly from top to bottom. Ever since their emergence in the music scene in 2015, Pony has garnered a reputation for their captivating pop charm and unparalleled finesse within the power pop genre. With the release of their debut LP, TV Baby, in 2021, they have further cemented their distinct sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries. Now the pop charmers have come to imprint their names in the genre again with their new album, Velveteen.

Beginning with the opening track, “Tres Jolie”, PONY reminds audiences why they adore their sound. Wistfully sewn from head to toe with throwback guitar resonance and vocals that echo back those same early 90s vivacious quality, PONY shows that nothing stands in its way when it comes to creating a perfect pop record that oozes with infectious hooks and choruses that will keep anyone hooked from start to finish.

“Peach” and “Sick” are poetic, catchy, and continue to captivate listeners with their infectious sugary pop influences. Even though it’s still early in the album, these tracks boast some of the most brilliant vocals and addicting lyricism. PONY continues to enrapture listeners in its lovely world of sparkly, sun-drenched guitar melodies and misty-eyed delight, redefining what it means to unburden your deepest feelings and not be frightened of vulnerability with each song experience.

Single “Sucker Punch” unleashes a different kind of energy on the album that feels uncontrolled but still keeps in stride with great vocal melodies, leaving room to play around with pretty guitar patterns before opening the door for more grunge-colored experiences, “Haunted Houses”.

“Haunted Houses” is a grunge-pop masterpiece and is a standout that captures one’s attention due to its exceptional use of fuzzy guitar tones and deep percussion. The song’s emotional lyrics, coupled with the pained vocals, make for a truly captivating listening experience that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. It is, without a doubt, a major highlight of the album and a testament to the artist’s talent and creativity.

One of the more upbeat and captivating songs on the record, PONY shows that they have more layers to their sound with songs like “Who’s Calling” and “French Class”. With an interesting instrumental framework in the guitar and bass work on “Who’s Calling” and the dreamy atmosphere in “French Class”, they make for captivating points of interest before arriving at the album’s closers with “Sunny Rose” and “Hair Cut”.

Ending the album with somewhat of a musical shift, PONY shows confident instrumental dynamism in the rock realm and more aggressive guitar chords, showing they have the potential for a more rock-based record in the future, and it fits them rather well.

Velveteen explores the theme of hiding one’s struggles and pretending to be strong in the face of adversity. Each song depicts a different experience where the protagonist becomes increasingly overwhelmed and consumed by their personal problems, all the while painting the album with a glittery, nostalgic instrumental guise. PONY has certainly taken the time within their two-year gap to diversify and make its sound something truly special not only with their attention to detail with their soundscapes, but with lyrics that truly speak to an audience that knows what it’s like to struggle in love and in relationships.

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