Innocence… In a sense
Review: Pontiak – Innocence
Published on February 3rd, 2014 | Jonny Abrams
Much of Pontiak’s eighth album Innocence loses itself in acoustic balladry, and it’s really not their strong suit.
As much is made abundantly clear by the opening few tracks, which kick no little ass if you’ll pardon the Americanisation.
The opening title track sounds like Shaun Ryder fronting Queens of the Stone Age, which is to say…woah. “Explosive sludge-rock” is another way you could say it – monstrous, fuzzy stomps these are, with ace clattering drums and a little bit of math in its mighty step.
“Ghosts” adds a delicious dab of psych-pop to its chorus, while the oddly compelling “It’s the Greatest” brings to mind Steve Mason and The Bees.
“Surrounded By Diamonds” sounds a little too much like Black Sabbath, but kicks just about enough of the aforementioned ass to get by.
Other than that, “Wildfires” has a goofy, mid-’90s-Flaming Lips sort of charm about it, so it’s probably the best of the acoustic numbers…of which, regrettably, there are one or two too many.
Innocence is out now on Thrill Jockey.
You can buy Innocence on iTunes and on Amazon.
Rocksucker says: Three Quails out of Five!
About the Author
Jonny Abrams Editor of Rocksucker and the website's founder, Jonny is passionate about the music he listens to, both good and bad, as well as interviewing his favourite musicians.
