Pony Up!: Make Love to the Judges with Your Eyes
Pony Up! don’t make blindly optimistic music. They have lived just long enough to realize that life doesn’t work out perfectly. They know that, at least in the context of relationships, guilty until proven innocent is the best policy. These girls have their guard up.
The beautiful, but beautifully damaged melodies of their music fit right in with the distinct weariness of their lyrics. As a whole, their sound is reminiscent of fellow Canadian band, Jale, now defunct.
Lead vocals are shared by Laura Wills and Sarah Moundroukas who both sing as though they don’t completely trust anyone they have ever loved. Lines like, “what possible harm could I do,” from the song possible harm come off like coy threats. None of the songs sound out of place or like filler on
Judges.
The Best Offence is about how it feels to be in a relationship with someone who seemed like a better prospect beforehand.
Only Feelgood is a shout out to those boyfriends and girlfriends that ask how you are doing, only they do it way too late and you answer that you’re feeling good when you are actually feeling the furthest thing from it. Although the title is a little baffling,
What’s Free is Yours is another broken heart song. Instead of wallowing in self-pity though, the singer sounds like she is increasingly exasperated with her lover for hurting her. When she realizes she’s not going to get through to the person, the song is abruptly over.
Don’t get the impression that this album will leave you in the doldrums though. Much like The Cardigans, Pony Up! can be listened to merely to hear the melodies, or the listener can choose to look a little deeper. Listen for some "Gold Dust Woman" in
Make, Model, #. or it could just be my imagination running wild.
Laura Wills also plays keyboards, Moundroukas also plays guitar. The band is rounded out by Lisa J. Smith on bass and by the drumming of Lindsay Wills. Make Love to the Judges With Your Eyes is jangly guitar pop that has what is unfortunately missing from a lot of music these days: nuances and imperfections. “Why is everyone so rehearsed?” They ask at the end of the closing song,
Lines Bleed. No answer is given, because there isn’t an easy answer to that question. However if you want an album that will make you think about these kinds of things, one that is genuine and intelligent, pick this one up.
http://www.myspace.com/iheartponyup 
p.s. i dont know what is up with their myspace, but its a really busy page. it might freeze your computer momentarily. maybe its just my stupid computer.
Linear Mode
