Some bands put on concerts. POND creates an experience that stimulates all of the senses.
Atlanta’s Terminal West was packed from wall to wall. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and a readiness from not only longtime fans eager for a night of incredible music, but also those new to the incredible psychedelic rock sounds of Australia’s very own POND. Touring in support of the band’s outstanding new album, Terrestrials, this was going to be a night where everyone simply came ready to lose themselves in one of the most unpredictable live acts in modern psychedelic rock. What made the night even more exciting was that former POND drummer and the mastermind behind Tame Impala, Kevin Parker, was in attendance alongside current touring partner Joe Keery aka DJO. This night had all the ingredients of one that would not soon be forgotten.
POND wasted no time pulling the audience into their colorful sonic universe. Opening with my personal favorite, “Skyworks,” one of several songs from Terrestrials, the band immediately established the evening’s tone: hypnotic, powerful, with the feeling of a gas pedal pushed to the floor. Throughout the night, the set effortlessly blended fresh material with fan favorites, allowing newer songs to sit naturally beside classics like “Paint Me Silver,” “Sweep Me Off My Feet,” and the explosive “Don’t Look at the Sun or You’ll Go Blind.” Rather than feeling like a band promoting a new record, POND showed that its latest work has already become an essential part of its live identity.
Singer Nicholas Allbrook moved gracefully across the stage, but with unmatched energy. Jumping on top of the barricade and immersing himself in the crowd, Nicholas broke the barrier between artist and fan. Equal parts chaotic ringmaster and unfiltered free spirit, he spent much of the evening feeding off every reaction from the audience. His vocals floated effortlessly between delicate melodies and powerful screams, while his unpredictable movements somehow became the perfect complement to the band’s kaleidoscopic soundscapes. Every member contributed to the controlled chaos that has become synonymous with POND’s live performances. Jay Watson and “Shiny” Joe Ryan provided layers of swirling synthesizers and shimmering guitars, thunderous bass lines came courtesy of Jamie Terry, and the intricate drumming of James Ireland provided the steady yet constantly edgy rhythms that were the driving force behind the band.
The atmosphere inside Terminal West only amplified the experience. Fans moved in unison as if the music had connected them through the notes that filled the air. It never felt like there was a barrier separating performer from audience. While the appearance of Kevin Parker and Joe Keery certainly added an unexpected talking point to the evening, they ultimately became footnotes to what POND accomplished onstage. The attention remained exactly where it belonged: on a band that continues to prove why it stands among the most creative and adventurous live acts in psychedelic rock today. With Terrestrials ushering in another exciting chapter, POND’s Atlanta stop served as a reminder that some bands simply sound bigger, bolder, and more alive in front of an audience. In an era where many concerts follow carefully scripted performances, POND embraces unpredictability, and that’s exactly what makes nights like this unforgettable.
GALLERY: POND at Terminal West in Atlanta, Georgia (July 10, 2026)
