Ears Wide Open: Pony Boy
Seraphina Lotkhamnga on
14
Some may know Marchelle Bradanini as the “Pony” half of international DJ duo Pony vs. Tiger (with the other half being Natasha “Tiger” Noramly), who spins everything from Hot Chip to Os Mutantes to Orange Juice. However, Bradanini’s solo moniker Pony Boy zooms in on a sound that she considers “junkyard country music.” With smokey vocals that could rival Cat Power and humble country roots, Ponyboy is miles away from what Bradanini would typically toss on the turntables. Channeling the romance of Patsy Cline, the blues of Gram Parsons and the balladry of Tom Waits, Bradanini has been crooning her new songs all over the U.K. this summer. However, Pony Boy is now back home and ready to present her self-titled debut EP, produced by Amy Wood and John Wood, which is slated for a Spring 2012 release.
||| Download: “Saints & Liars”
||| Live: Pony Boy plays tonight at Old Towne Pub in Pasadena with All Wrong & the Plans Change and Snorkel.
Love her. So so so good.
why does hollywood have to be all this self-appreciation hype, humble country roots is a real thing, not a motif.
and is music a competition? vocals rivalling Cat Power… I don’t think so.
There is no question Marchelle can deliver the goods, as has been known on occasion. One piece bathing suits with jeans-it’s hard to top that kind of innovation.
Ponyboy is a lot of music industry build up; style, fancy words, mentions on web pages, fake buzz, immediate comment about how good.
It’s not that good.
it’s Cat Power by a long shot.
Ponyboy at this point the music expresses nothing.
She sings like Tom Waits long lost daughter. A prairie loneliness matched by lyrical intersections and late night heartbreak. I’m in.
Ummmm… woah. Crazy Voice, Haunting Video, AND a mega-fox? what?…. sign me up!
Why have I never heard of her before! Refreshing sound and lyrics with a unique twist compared to typical radio songs. I hope the industry takes note. Keeps the songs coming, I look forward to hearing more.
What’s wrong with Mike, did he get a knock-back after a show? Rather a petty and bitchy dis-appraisal there, your criticism is contains less substance that what you accuse the artiste of.
Ponyboy has no “music industry” backing (whatever that is these days), she just writes, plays, and works her ass off. And she can sing like a young Robert Plant – good thing!
buzzbeat is hyped out!
Ponyboy is trying to be a Cat Power or Tom Waits
there is only do or do not, there is no try.
Chan Marshall was never tryin’, if you got to see her early on, up close and personal hold an entire room in a trance,with her voice and busted guitar, that was for real, you can’t bottle that stuff.
Ponyboy is bottled water blues.
Hard times don’t come on silver platters, does heartbreak pour in rainstorms at weddings in Palm Springs, potentially. Seeds planted.
Wow. So refreshing and pleasant to listen to…can’t wait for the album release.
Love the unique style – would like to hear more of Ponyboy. Bring it on!
WOAH! I freaking love this and that video is amazing. They should make a movie out of it. Nashville 2.
Mike,
You have a real problem there and a giant chip on your shoulder. I didn’t know you had been appointed Official Arbiter of The Muse. Everyone here likes what she does and i do too. If you don’t, why waste your energy, you just sound vindictive and petty, and you aren’t going to change anyone’s mind here with that approach.
Anyway, i don’t want to use this platform for such a pointless argument, there’s a whole ton of music in the world, from LA to Tokyo and not enough time to listen to it all. I recommend you go write about something you like. Trust me, it’ll make you feel better.
I went to see the Ponyboy show in Pasadena on Thursday and can report back that she was terrific, the band tight and focused. I like that combination of brooding and playfulness in a performer – I have seen so many lazy singers/performers, so this was a breath of fresh air, a reminder to go and seek out decent live music. Good songs all round and I hope she records the version of Isis she played – it was on fire.
Ponyboy is legit. GREAT stuff.
Everyone here does not like Ponyboy’s output thus far. How do I even know Ponyboy exists? I kno because I’m a fan of the gal in general.
I have no reason to contribute to the mutual admiration posse’ formed here, it would be untrue. What is petty here are the some of the acclaims, accolades & praise. An artist wants a critical review, the type a curatorial eye or ear is capable of.
Words to make them really face themselves or not.
Sure I have a grudge; the music industry, music as product, music hyped in this exact way. Makes no difference how hard she works, -she’s making music by her own free will, it’s not some working class hero trip, she’s doing it cos’ she loves it, but she also wants to get paid and sell records & this shows. My favorite bands never made careers out of rocknroll.
Careerism and rock n roll are diametric oppositions. Ponyboy could keep the spirit of rock n roll alive, this is one of the greatest things every individual is capable of.
Delectationes of the spirit.
there are exceptions