The Pons
In the Belly of a GiantThis local indie rock trio has been together barely a year, but you wouldn’t guess it. They play together seamlessly, and with Erik Wofford, they’ve done a splendidly tasteful job with the production of their debut. Giant‘s stronger material illustrates guitarist/songwriter Thomas Mazzi’s gift for hooks. “Blackhawk,” with its tense, loping verses that break into urgent cries of “promises,” suggests a friendlier, softer Fugazi, while “Wake Up Call” builds a simple yet clever two-chord groove into a beautiful extended chorus. The latter, like closer “Peace on Earth,” is enriched by the vocal interplay Mazzi shares with bassist Ruby Painter. It’s difficult to tell what, if anything in particular, they’re singing about, so although the hooks stick fast, Mazzi doesn’t have the lyrical sophistication just yet to make the songs themselves do the same. If this album is an indication, however, he’ll get there.
This article appears in November 7 • 2008.