Pond lit up The Belasco, with a psychedelic masterpiece of heavy grooves, hypnotic visuals, and Nick Allbrook’s magnetic theatrical stage showmanship
Pond wrapped up their five-month tour with a final performance at The Belasco Theater before heading back to Western Australia. It was a kaleidoscopic journey through their psychedelic rock repertoire, delivered with boundless energy and signature charisma. The Australian quintet, led by the dynamic Nick Allbrook, created a vibrant atmosphere that transformed the historic Los Angeles venue into an electrified dreamscape. Occupying a sonic space where the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath, the grandeur of Led Zeppelin, the cosmic explorations of Pink Floyd, and the modern psych-pop sensibilities of Tame Impala converge, Pond is a band of both homage and originality. This connection to Tame Impala is far from incidental—Kevin Parker, the brain behind Tame Impala, produced Pond’s first eight albums, infusing them with a distinct, supple vibrancy. Additionally, the two bands share overlapping members, a testament to the creative synergy within Perth’s fertile psychedelic music scene.
The night opened with Fazerdaze, the project of Kiwi Amelia Rahayu Murray whose ethereal and introspective set the stage for Pond’s contrastingly dynamic energy.
As Pond took to the stage, the audience was brimming with anticipation for the sonic journey ahead. They opened with the title track from their latest album, Stung, immediately enveloping the audience in a blend of swirling synths and pulsating beats. Nick Allbrook’s magnetic stage presence was undeniable as he darted across the stage, exuding a raw, theatrical energy. Seamlessly shifting between moments of tender vulnerability and electrifying exuberance, Allbrook evoked shades of Mick Jagger’s swagger, David Bowie’s otherworldly charisma, and Iggy Pop’s untamed intensity. It was a masterclass in showmanship, perfectly complementing the band’s lush, genre-bending soundscape.
Highlights of the night included “Daisy,” a standout track with its infectious grooves and kaleidoscopic visuals, and “Sweep Me Off My Feet,” a euphoric anthem that turned the entire venue into a singalong. The band’s synergy and multi-instrumental prowess gave the performance a lush, layered sound that felt both spontaneous and intricately crafted. Shiny Joe Ryan’s guitar work was particularly notable, alternating between soaring, melodic lines and snarling riffs that injected a gritty edge into the otherwise dreamy set. Midway through, the band paid homage to the heavy grooves of Black Sabbath with a thunderous rendition of “Black Lung.” This track, with its pounding rhythms and hypnotic drive, channeled Sabbath’s iconic heft while retaining the sleek, psych-rock sensibility of a Tame Impala-inspired standard—a moment that showcased Pond’s ability to balance homage and innovation seamlessly.
The lighting design added an extra dimension to the evening, bathing the stage in vivid neon hues and dark mood lighting that synchronized perfectly with Pond’s experimental soundscapes. Tracks from their latest album seamlessly blended with fan favorites, offering both introspective moments and high-energy crescendos.
The intimate setting of The Belasco amplified the connection between the band and the audience. Allbrook would crowd surf and take time to chat with fans between songs, blending humor and earnestness. The show’s finale and encore, an extended jam of “Fantastic Explosion of Time” and “Don’t Look At The Sun,” was a transcendent crescendo, leaving the crowd elated and craving more.
During the band’s short set, Pond proved once again why they are one of the most captivating live acts in the psychedelic rock genre. Their performance at The Belasco was a feast for the senses—a testament to their evolving artistry and their unrelenting passion for connecting with their fans. For those in attendance, it wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience.
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