The Only One by The Ponys

June 25, 2004 | 4 Comments

The Artist: The Ponys
The Song: The Only One
The Album: Laced With Romance
Released 2004

Last night I saw The Ponys and The Girls. It was a damn good show, and since I’ve been on a bit of a live music kick here lately, I figured I’d stick with it.

The Ponys’ Laced With Romance has been one of my favorites the last few weeks. You can imagine I felt pretty lucky to be able to see them while the “honeymoon” is still in full effect. These guys are big news and I fully expect them to go far.

They put on a great, yet very unique, show. In some ways the really reminded me of The Smashing Pumpkins. Not that they sound anything like them, they are just strange in the fact that such an huge sound, as evidenced by the ringing in my ears, comes from such mellow performers.

With the exception of vocalist/guitarist Jared (who apparently has no last name and looks like a punk rock Gareth Keenan) they were stiff as a board. But it’s about the music right?

The Ponys have a great thowback sound. Very low-fi, very post-punk and yet at times harkening to bands like the Cure and the Violent Femmes. Their songs are full of quirky mellodies, raging riffs and more than a fair share of fuzz and distortion.

Anyway, they’re good and don’t be surprised if they’re the next Strokes or White Stripes. Really, I mean that. But don’t take my word for it, listen to “The Only One” (which I chose because it best represents how The Ponys sound live) and judge for yourself. If you like it, the rest of the album is as good or better.

Recommended if you like: The Girls, The Strokes, Hot Hot Heat, The Briefs, The Exploding Hearts

Filed under: Song of The Week