The Ponys - Turn The Lights Out

Over the last few years, The Ponys have emerged as one the musical high points in Chicago, a city overflowing with creativity. Their blend of up-tempo garage and indie/post punk has seen The Ponys gradually rise up the ranks of underground bands on the national scene. The band was formed in 2001 by singer/guitarist Jered Gummere.

Their first full length release, Laced With Romance, created a small buzz within the garage community. Their frantic energy, slashing guitars and driving rhythm section set them in line with many of their peers on In The Red Records. However, it was Gummere’s vocals, which alternated between shouting and more subdued crooning, as well as slightly dissonant guitars which them set them apart. With their second full length release, Celebration Castle, The Ponys started getting attention outside of the underground fanzines and were getting reviews and write-ups in Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine. With great songs like “Get Black”, it was nice to see a band get the kind of attention that it deserved.

The band was poised to make a big splash with their latest album, Turn The Lights Out, which is their first recording for indie heavyweight Matador Records. The album is a natural progression from their previous releases, and does not stray too far stylistically, although the explosiveness is slightly toned-down. That’s not to say though that the album is boring in any way. Even on more subdued songs, such as the reverb-laden and organ-led title track, the passion is still there, as well as the hooks. My first impression of the album is that it will be a strong contender to make my albums of the year list. I can’t get “Double Vision”, “Everyday Weapon”, and “Turn The Lights Out” out of my head, and you’ll probably feel the same way upon first listen.

Here's the band's myspace page where they have several other tracks
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