Arguably Pond's slickest effort so far--a gorgeously nuanced set of damaged synth-funk and curdled power ballads that should finally see off any Grateful Dead comparisons. [Apr 2019, p.20]
[This record] showcases a band capable of innovating, pushing themselves and experimenting eight albums deep to come up with an album more than worthy of praise.
It’s a more straightforward and accessible sound that might leave past admirers missing the all-out weirdness of albums past, but the evolution that Tasmania represents also speaks to the fact that the main constant in Pond’s approach is change. Even as the sea levels keep rising, they’ll doubtless find new waves to ride.
Over burbling synths and cosmic jam sessions the soundscapes veer from of Montreal to Can, but the innocently pensive voice at the core of it all unifies all of these threads into a quilt your psyched out grandmother knit to keep you warm whenever you needed to recharge.
While it’s about as colourful as the phantasmagoric cover art suggests, it might have sounded a bit more grounded if the band weren’t given the keys to so many synthesisers and effects pedals - and Kevin Parker’s heady production only makes it even woozier. Beneath all the superfluous sonic meddling, though, it’s still a voyage worth beholding.
This is great album! Nothing about this is mediocre and forgetful. The ones doesn't like it at all. Seems to be the one wanting the "hitThis is great album! Nothing about this is mediocre and forgetful. The ones doesn't like it at all. Seems to be the one wanting the "hit tracks" such as Daisy. Which is very easy to "digest" on first listen. This album is perhaps Pond´s most complex. Strive back is just not Ponds concept. I don´t understand the ones that are surprised they aren´t getting new "Beard Wives Denim" This is the 8th!, yeah you heard me right. 8th record by them. And they always challenged themselves, trying out new things. That´s why I enjoy this band so much. It should be applauded. Too many artists get stuck in old ways. However, there is difference in completely losing your DNA as musicians. Into something the listeners can´t recognise. But you still hear this is Pond, and very much so I would say. Curious musicians going into unknown territory and who are constantly refining themselves.. Can´t wait to see what the next step is for these guys!…Expand
This is a great record that gets better and better with repeated listenings. I don’t understand why these guys aren’t huge. This and theirThis is a great record that gets better and better with repeated listenings. I don’t understand why these guys aren’t huge. This and their last album are sexy, funny, hummable, distinctive and are equally satisfying on the car stereo or on headphones in a dark room.…Expand
Pond is back, with more ambitious fun ideas. Still as colourful and playful. Prob their best album yet, in terms of sound and ideas. I wouldPond is back, with more ambitious fun ideas. Still as colourful and playful. Prob their best album yet, in terms of sound and ideas. I would given it a 10/10. If it wasn´t for one song. Overall, this is very strong album. Once again it sees them teaming up with Kevin "Mr Tame Impala" Parker on the producing. It´s thing that has always worked for Pond. Seeing as Kevin Parker knows Pond better than themselves, jokes aside. Pond is band that never stop to amaze me. One thing I always appreciated, is their need to never repeat themselves. Thank god for bands/artists like that.. And as much as they say this is like "sister album" to "The Weather" This has more "70´s pop rock /groove" to it. This is at times reminding me of Bowie, and The Flaming Lips. Some moments Nick Allbrook seems to channel bit of Prince. This is much worth listen. What superb album!…Expand
The cynical view that this is a typical Pond effort run through the filter of the "Currents" studio gear, a concept which lacks the noveltyThe cynical view that this is a typical Pond effort run through the filter of the "Currents" studio gear, a concept which lacks the novelty fans have come to expect from the band in 2019, especially considering Pond's often cold and detached psychedelic lyrics lack the confessional intrigue that made that record so compelling.
The optimistic view is that the band have cooled and toned down their production bombast here in the effort to get a more introspective sound and broader audience, and while I think I listen to this band precisely for its blazing, sharper edges, I still wouldn't trade this effort for anything else as it's grown on me, reminiscent to Yo La Tengo chilling out their fans by releasing "And Then Nothing" after "I Can Hear The Heart Beating"
The album is often beautiful and evokes Damon Albarn, Marvin Gaye, Air, Grandaddy, and Arcade Fire, but please note:
If you listen, I recommend skipping straight to the title track, "Tasmania."
Not to knock the first two tracks, but they sound like warm-up while the rest of the record features the atmospheric, progressive experimentation you would expect from the band, and their inclusion alone drops the review score two solid points.…Expand
Hearing the single, "Daisy" a while back, I had high hopes for this album but was unfortunately let down. The vocals and melodies on thisHearing the single, "Daisy" a while back, I had high hopes for this album but was unfortunately let down. The vocals and melodies on this project are very mediocre and forgetful. Musically, I enjoyed the funky tones that were displayed but due to the lackluster vocal performances, they ended up being drowned out. There are a few songs that I really enjoyed such as "Doctor's In" and "Selene" which contained an MGMT or Thundercat feel to them. I wish the entire album was like those songs as opposed to the other forgetful tracks.…Expand
