pond - Stung! Review
Release Date: June 21, 2024
I’ve always been a big fan of Pond—their sound is distinctive, and they exist in a league of their own. Going into Stung!, I assumed I’d be happy with whatever they put out. But to my surprise, this album struggled to find replay value for me. Outside of one or two standout tracks, much of it feels like filler—not necessarily bad, just not what I was hoping for.
Pond has always been a band that evolves and reinvents itself, but Stung! left me unsure about their direction. At times, it feels like they’re leaning toward a more polished, pop-driven sound, while other moments hint at a return to their psychedelic roots. It’s not clear which path they’re taking, and that uncertainty makes this album a bit of a head-scratcher. I’m still on board for whatever comes next, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.