Pond at The Observatory North Park in San Diego, CA

Australian rockers Pond brought hard rock and psychedelic energy to The Observatory North Park, delivering a genre-bending performance with dynamic support from 26fix.

The Observatory North Park hosted an unforgettable night of music as Australian psych-rock band Pond delivered a performance brimming with energy, innovation, and an unmistakable psychedelic flair.

The evening’s opener, 26fix, set the stage with a compelling set. Their blend of indie-rock and alternative sounds made for a captivating performance that seamlessly blended moody post-punk elements with infectious indie-rock vibes. The Salt Lake City-based band provided a good contrast and perfect warm-up, drawing the audience into a lively atmosphere and setting the stage for the headliners. 

Pond, known for their eclectic mix of genres and vibrant stage presence, did not disappoint. From the moment they took to the stage, the band captivated the audience with their unique soundscapes and high-voltage performances. Opening with the explosive “Daisy,” Pond immediately showcased their knack for blending intricate melodies with raw, powerful instrumentation. The song’s infectious energy set the tone for the rest of the night, with frontman Nick Allbrook’s magnetic presence and dynamic vocals drawing the crowd into the band’s kaleidoscopic world. The setlist was a well-curated mix that spanned their extensive discography, ensuring long-time fans and new listeners alike were thoroughly entertained. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres was on full display, moving from the dreamy, synth-laden “The Weather” to the hard-hitting, guitar-driven “Giant Tortoise” with ease. The crowd’s enthusiasm peaked during the performance of the latter, which featured an impressive jam session that demonstrated Pond’s improvisational skills and tight-knit chemistry​.

Pond’s stage presence was captivating, with frontman Nicholas Allbrook engaging the audience with his charismatic and sometimes eccentric performance style. The band’s stripped-down stage presence highlighted the hard rock soundscapes, eschewing the vibrant light shows and trippy projections for a ​bare-bones set. This made the performance much more intimate. A palpable bond with the fans was created when Allbrook crowd surfed and made his way into the appreciative crowd to connect with them. 

Pond’s chemistry was palpable throughout the performance, with each member contributing to the band’s cohesive yet eclectic sound. The encore was nothing short of spectacular, with the band returning to the stage to deliver a blistering rendition of “Don’t Look at the Sun or You’ll Go Blind,” leaving the audience in awe and craving more. As the final notes reverberated through The Observatory, it was clear that Pond had delivered a performance that would be remembered long after the night had ended.

The 1000 or so fans were treated to a master class in psychedelic rock. The Observatory’s acoustics proved to be ideal for this concert, as they allowed the intricate layers of Pond’s music to shine through. Pond proved once again why they are one of the most exciting and innovative bands in contemporary rock and a must-see live act.

POND
Website  Facebook  X 

26FIX
Facebook 

THE OBSERVATORY NORTH PARK SAN DIEGO
Website  Facebook  X 

About George Ortiz 67 Articles
George is Southern California and Big Sky, Montana-based photographer. He grew up in Los Angeles and began shooting professionally in the mid 80s. His words and photos have appeared in local & national publications.