The Vic Theater Gets ‘Stung!’ by Pond

Hundreds filed into The Vic Theater Nov. 22 to find a spot near the stage, where they hoped to carry the weight of Pond lead singer Nick Allbrook as he floated above the crowd. 

After releasing their 10th studio album “Stung!” June 21, Australian band Pond took their psychedelic rock energy global with a North American tour. Pond stopped in Chicago at The Vic Theater to deliver vigor with high kicks and crowd surfing antics.

Hazy purple lights luminated the stage for opening band Fazerdaze. Their entrancing melodies echoed around the venue as they inaugurated the show with “Break!” 

The New Zealand-based band primed the crowd for a night of dream-pop themes and intense instrumentals, showcasing songs from their 2022 EP “Break!” and 2024 album “Soft Power.”

Lead singer-songwriter Amelia Murray was joined by guitarist Dave Rowland for seven songs, including “Cherry Pie” and “A Thousand Years.” 

The crowd swayed along before they closed with “Bigger.” Mixing alternative instrumentation with vulnerable lyricism, “Bigger” left the crowd cheering after a strong and emotional finish. 

Soon a new set of blue neon lights hit the stage as Pond warmly greeted the packed house. After waves and bows to the audience, the band began their set with “Daisy” off their 2019 album “Tasmania.” 

Lead singer Nick Allbrook sent an electrifying shock through the crowd from the get-go. Switching between guitar and flute, Allbrook directed the flow of the show’s consistent lively spirit. 

Allbrook was surrounded by his long-time bandmates Jay Watson, Joe Ryan, Jamie Terry and James Ireland, all of whom have played together for 16 years. Each member rotated between the array of instruments scattered on stage, making every song a unique experience.

Backed by Terry on bass, guitarists Ryan and Watson were highlighted on the track “Neon River.” Beginning with a slow hypnotic melody, the beat broke with expressive vocals and distorted riffs. 

“Neon river, holding my liver / Shaking as the city sinks,” Allbrook sang.  

Allbrook marched across the stage during “America’s Cup,” a social critique masked by catchy retro synths. 

“Before the America’s Cup / Never heard of methadone / Never called the shelter home,” Allbrook sang.

With piercing vocals and an animated stage presence, Allbrook captured the crowd during the standout song “So Lo.” The track evoked raw emotion from the otherwise chaotic energy of the show. 

“I feel so low / I should’ve learnt by now to keep my expectations low,” the audience sang back to Allbrook. 

Ireland amplified explosive beats in ensuing drum solos during “Human Touch” and “Edge of the World Pt. 3.” 

The band then reached deep into their discography to play “Aloneaflameaflower” from their 2013 album “Hobo Rocket.” The band highlighted their psych-rock roots through dramatic drum beats and phrygian keyboard melodies.

“Oh lord, what a paradise to be / All alone for just an hour / Shit,” Allbrook said.

Ryan even pulled out a cowbell, encouraging the crowd to clap along. 

The band ramped up excitement with their most popular track, “Paint Me Silver.” Groovy digital sound effects and pulsating synths from Watson’s keyboard produced a transcendental listening experience. 

“Giant Tortoise” distinguished itself with melodramatic drawn-out vocals and crunchy, grunge sounding guitar riffs. From drums to guitar, every member shined in their respective solos. Watson took control of the stage with rock improv on guitar, as the other members of the band nodded along getting ready for their contribution.

During “Fantastic Explosion of Time,” Ryan demonstrated his musical prowess as he switched from guitar to maracas. His energy blended seamlessly with Allbrook’s, brewing a contagious chemistry as they spontaneously danced in sync across the stage.

The band thanked the crowd for coming and exited the stage, but a 5-minute-long cheer from the audience brought Pond back for an encore. 

“Fantastic Explosion of Time” followed the band’s reemergence, an indie rock song from their 2012 album “Beard, Wives, Denim.” The angsty lyrics and rebellious spirit stimulated the crowd.  

“Fantastic explosion of time / You slither over the line and you fade away, oh,” Allbrook sang.

To introduce their first meaningful encore song, “Hang a Cross on Me (feat. Cowboy John),” Allbrook shared a story about an old friend, Cowboy John, who died in 2023. Describing him as wearing a king’s crown and multi-colored scarves, the story painted a picture of their creative process as they made an array of tracks over the course of 10 years. 

“He is the most eccentric person I’ve ever met,” Allbrook said.

Featured on Pond’s punk alternative song, Cowboy John is credited on Pond’s Instagram tribute as “the glowing centre of otherwise lost songs.” 

From jump roping, backwards somersaults and leaps on and off the barricade at front row, Allbrook and the entire band brought infectious vivacity to The Vic.