POND @ The Triffid, Brisbane - 24/09/17

Pond have a had one hell of year playing at Falls Festival, Splendour in the Grass as well as touring all over the world for their 7th album ‘The Weather’. The last night of the highly anticipated Australian tour for the WA four-piece was at The Triffid in Brisbane.
 
A very eager sold out crowd arrived early for the opening acts Reef Prince and Bodytype that both did an exceptional job of warming up the crowd for the headliners. But it was time for the Australia Psych-Rock masters to take the stage and show us why their one of the best live bands around. As the crowd screamed they opened the set identical to their new album, the crowd gazed at front man Nick in awe during ‘30000 Megatons’ and sung along to the popular single ‘Sweep Me Off My Feet’. Then followed with some classic Pond favourites including ‘Elvis Flaming Star’ and ‘Waiting Around For Grace’.
 
The set was already very intimate as the band and crowd become one, the energy was high and the venue became extremely hot and sweaty as expected. Nick Allbrook was giving it his absolute all on vocals and guitar, a calm Jay Watson holding down the bass and vocals, a grinning Jamie Terry was cruisey on the keys and Shiny Joe Ryan killing it on the guitar. The boys absolutely loved it on stage and the crowd were right there with them.
 
Songs such as ‘Zen Automatom’ and ‘Fire In The Water’ from their latest album had no issue in the set list and regardless of the recent release were performed with perfection.  However nothing beats the bouncy track ‘Don’t Look At The Sun Or You’ll Go Blind’ as Jay’s bassline nearly caused an earthquake in Brisbane due to the jumping at The Triffid.  To follow it was only fair to it slow it right down with the dreamy ‘Sitting Up On Our Crane’.
 
The set rolled on as Nick announced they only have two songs left to play, but what was following was the peak of the show. You’re not a Pond fan if you don’t scream the guitar part in the chorus of ‘Giant Tortoise’; luckily every one took part in the crowd favourite.  The band said their thanks’ as they put down their instruments and walked off stage, but the crowd weren’t’ done yet as the chants rolled on until they were back on stage where they belong.  The WA Psych-Rock masters ended their set with ‘Man It Feels Like Space Again’ and concluded with sending love to their fans.
 
The band brought exactly what was expected and assured that the hyped national tour was well worth it. Everyone walked out of the packed venue with smiles knowing they’ve witnessed one of Australia’s best. It was an extraordinary performance by Pond and the perfect way to end their national tour.
 

 

Reviewer - Christian Kafritsas