Meet Pond, a Australian psychedelic rock band from Perth.
Pond has spent more than a decade carving out their unique space in the rock space. Formed in Perth, Australia, the ever-evolving group—led by frontman Nick Allbrook—has become known for blending kaleidoscopic psych rock, glam, funk, and progressive pop into sprawling, unpredictable songs. Though the band’s lineup has shifted throughout the years, several members have also collaborated with fellow Australian psych giants Tame Impala, helping establish Pond as one of the country’s most celebrated live acts in their own right. Rather than relying on nostalgia, the band continues to reinvent itself with each release, balancing shimmering melodies with explosive jams that feel equally at home in a sweaty club or an outdoor amphitheater.
Opening for Djo at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, Pond proved exactly why they’ve earned such a devoted cult following. Before the night’s headliner even took the stage, the Australian psych-rock outfit transformed the historic tennis stadium into a swirling, colorful haze of fuzzed-out guitars, hypnotic grooves, and infectious energy.
From the opening notes of “Black Lung,” Allbrook immediately established himself as one of rock’s most unpredictable frontmen. His performance was equal parts theatrical and completely unhinged in the best possible way. Throughout the set, Allbrook danced with wild abandon, swung his microphone around like a lasso, draped it around his neck between verses, and eventually climbed onto the barricade to sing directly to fans packed against the front rail, turning the already intimate performance into something even more electric.
The band’s chemistry was evident throughout the evening as they effortlessly shifted between dreamy psychedelia and explosive guitar-driven climaxes. Songs like “Casuarina” and “So Lo” floated through lush synth textures before erupting into walls of distortion, while “Through the Heather” and “Two Hands” showcased the band’s knack for balancing intricate musicianship with irresistible grooves.
Midway through the set, “Sweep Me Off My Feet” brought a disco-infused shimmer to Forest Hills, encouraging even unfamiliar audience members to dance along. By the time Pond launched into fan favorites “Daisy” and “Paint Me Silver,” much of the crowd had fully embraced the band’s psychedelic universe, swaying and singing along despite many having arrived primarily for Djo.
The set’s closing stretch leaned into Pond’s expansive soundscapes. “Terrestrials” built layer upon layer of swirling instrumentation before seamlessly giving way to “Human Touch,” a fitting finale that encapsulated everything the band does best: soaring melodies, hypnotic rhythms, and an infectious sense of joyful chaos.
While many opening acts simply warm up the crowd, Pond did much more than that. Their dazzling blend of psychedelic rock and eccentric stage presence transformed Forest Hills into a kaleidoscopic dance party. For longtime fans, it was another reminder of why Pond remains one of the most exhilarating live bands in modern psych rock. For newcomers, it was the kind of performance that almost certainly created a few thousand new fans before Djo stepped on stage.
SETLIST:
Black Lung, Casuarina, So Lo, Through the Heather, Two Hands, Sweep Me Off My Feet, Daisy, Paint Me Silver, Terrestrials, Human Touch
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