I bought this by chance as part of a special offer. I think it was something like 3 CDs for 5€ and I had already chosen the other two, so I took a gamble and picked up this title by Ponderosa, whom I had never before heard of. This is the Atlanta band's second album and it came apparently as a shock for those who liked their roots rock debut. This one is all about atmospherics, with harmony vocals, dreamy keyboards and psychedelic guitars, everything sounding a bit hazy and covered in reverb. The Byrds, Neil Young and Pink Floyd may be indirect influences but the album's sound is more indie pop than classic rock. Opener "Here I Am Born" sets the template with its acoustic guitar intro and Fleet Foxes harmonies, allowing itself to rock out slightly towards the end with some unruly drumming. "Black Hill Smoke" is a well-mannered slow song and lead single "Navajo" is a relatively upbeat number with a catchy chorus that reminds me of a sturdier Coldplay. It's followed by delicate ballad "Never Come Back" (possibly the best of the bunch) and the REM-like "Pool Party". "Heather" and "Nile" are a couple of beautiful but rather subdued songs, while "Get A Gun" introduces synths and electronic drums and "On Your Time" is the most rockin' song here and only the second to rise above the slumber (after "Navajo"). Finally, "Cold Hearted Man" closes the CD with a kind of folk lullaby. Ponderosa's "Pool Party" displays many virtues but suffers from a certain sameness and overtly slow tempo. Where those traits are coupled with great songwriting (Radiohead, Mercury Rev, REM's "Automatic For The People") the results can be magical. Sadly this is not the case here. The album does flow nicely and makes for pleasant listening but it hasn't much to distinguish it from the competition and made no lasting impression to me. One to watch for the future, maybe...
**** for Navajo, Never Come Back
*** for Here I Am Born, Black Hill Smoke, Pool Party, Heather, Get A Gun, On Your Time
** for The Nile, Cold Hearted Man
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