9 cover

Released 5 years ago this October

9

Pond · 2021

39 min · 9 tracks · pop music

A kaleidoscopic blend of psych-pop and experimental rock, infused with whimsical melodies and eclectic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    America’s Cup — This track encapsulates Pond's playful yet introspective nature, blending upbeat rhythms with reflective lyrics that explore themes of competition and identity.
  • →
    Human Touch — With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, this song stands out as a vibrant exploration of connection and intimacy amidst modern disconnection.
  • →
    Rambo — The song dives into darker lyrical territory while juxtaposing it with bright instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to balance light and shadow in their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Pond's '9' showcases adventurous songwriting and eclectic sounds, making it a notable entry in their discography.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a soft, melodic track that gradually introduces layers of instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, keeping the listener engaged and surprised.
  • The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with some tracks exceeding five minutes and exploring extended instrumental sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical melodies for lighthearted moments
  • eclectic instrumentation for curious listeners
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • playful experimentation in each song

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of deep emotional weight
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time '9' was released in October 2021, Pond had established themselves as a significant force in the Australian music scene, building on their previous albums like 'Tasmania' from 2019. The band continued to evolve their sound, experimenting with new production techniques and collaborative efforts while maintaining their distinct psychedelic roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· MGMT· Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Song for Agnes 4:14
  • 2 Human Touch 3:20
  • 3 America’s Cup 3:49
  • 4 Take Me Avalon I’m Young 3:31
  • 5 Pink Lunettes 5:46
  • 6 Czech Locomotive 4:51
  • 7 Rambo 5:03
  • 8 Gold Cup / Plastic Sole 4:26
  • 9 Toast 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata