Hear Me Out: Pond, "Zond"

Pond frontman Nick Allbrook describes the band’s newest album “Man It Feels Like Space Again"  as the “good parts of what we’ve done on other albums”—a bold statement exemplified by the album’s quirky third single “Zond.” The new release combines the group’s psychedelia of past LPs and singles with more complex and clean production. The result is an irresistible concoction: “Zond” is a highly memorable listen that serves as a testament to Pond’s growth since they released their debut “Psychedelic Mango” six years ago.

An outrageous and upbeat anthem, “Zond” reflects Pond’s new willingness to explore  quick tempos and instrumental virtuosity. Long gone are the slow-moving and ambient, if more experimental, tunes of Pond’s past. “Zond” is an abrasive, in-your-face confection that is more instantly accessible than anything the group has ever released. The sound is crisper—even with the track’s slight distortion, each melodic component sounds distinct, and a greater serving of funk and synth energize the percussion. The band exhibits creativity with the rhythm, giving life to an otherwise repetitive drumbeat through a mash of whimsical instruments. Sliding whistles, metallic twangs, and scratchy screeches complement the keyboard and drums. The result is an almost extraterrestrial melody, which isn't surprising given the constant space trope the band invokes.

Lyrics like “I don’t see you / In the waking dreams / We’re from the darkness in between” suggest some depth, but a thundering, heavy beat overshadows Allbrook’s synthesized pronunciations. While the instrumentation is complex enough that it could overpower the vocals, the interaction of the two elements couldn’t be better synced. “Zond” is not a careless hodgepodge of sounds, but an intricate orchestration where instruments serve just as significant a role in setting mood as do the vocals; the song’s reflective if mysterious lyrics are just as spacey as the varied accompaniment. As Allbrook starts to sing softly, the melody slows and loses its previous vivacity and discordance—an ingenious means of emoting both cheekiness and weightiness.

“Zond” is a fresh addition to Pond’s output because Allbrook crafts a sound that is self-aware of its outlandishness without sacrificing its spontaneity. If the single reflects what is to be expected in the rest of the “Man, It Feels Like Space Again,” then listeners are in for a wild ride.