Live Review: Pond, The Shabbab

Local garage-punks The Shabbab are up first.

Styled out in flowing, all-white attire – like Middle Eastern royalty – their highly enjoyable collection of short, speedy songs suggests their music also ranks up in the highest of echelons. Through the combination of the band’s immense energy and flamboyancy, it’s hard to comprehend any of their individual parts, though that only adds to their intoxicating allure. A collision of commotion, charisma and consistency a la Black Lips, it’s a miracle their instruments are still in one piece at the end of this brilliant set.

Even before POND start playing they’ve almost sold all their merch, which shows just how much devotion there is in the room.

When the psych-rockers hit the stage (as only a four-piece tonight) they open with a stirring rendition of Waiting Around For Grace from new album Man It Feels Like Space Again, one which strikes all the right fuzzed-out power chords. “We’re called POND and it’s nice to meet you,” says a typically bashful-looking Nick Allbrook after the opener. He goes on to belie his timid exterior by helping pilot Corner Hotel (now a revolving, psychedelic dreamscape created by the ricochet of the band’s light show off the venue’s disco ball) on an enchanting space trip even Richard Branson couldn’t provide.

We’re well and truly in orbit as the band begin an album-spanning set of tunes, with Don’t Look At The Sun Or You’ll Go Blind, You Broke My Cool and Sitting Up On Our Crane some of many highlights. Power-pop choruses and funk grooves coalesce into a captivating amalgam of sonics, both abrasive and fluid, leaving the audience unsure whether to headbang or nod along quietly. But the biggest reception is saved for Giant Tortoise, the track’s iconic riffage setting off an eruption of euphoria, intensity and testosterone.

“This is amazing!” yells Jay Watson from behind the drums and, based on the crowd reaction, we wholeheartedly agree. The boys are clearly enjoying themselves – the grins on their faces as wide open as the vistas their exultant psychedelia explores. The night closes with a dazzling encore of the title track from their new album, leaving everyone in heavy anticipation of their next Melbourne show.