Wild horses couldn't drag them away. [Photo: DimMak.com] BUY IT HERE

[by Zan Laorenza]

On their Dim Mak full-length debut, quirky Canadian all-female quintet Pony Up categorize men not as playas, but as makes, models and numbers. Instead of walking out with their ex's credit card stowed safely away, they compose sentimental couplets like, “'Cause I can't take the bad with the good/And no one around me thinks that I should.”

But Pony Up's musical formula doesn't vary as much as their rhyming couplets. Rather, they keep things sparse, leaning on strong bass lines to carry the minimalist intertwining of their guitar-piano melodies. This less-is-more philosophy displays their expertise: Make Love to the Judges With Your Eyes boasts a handful of sweet lo-fi dance songs in search of a musical direction.

The problems present themselves when guitarist Sarah Moundroukas takes over the vocal duties. Where Make Love to the Judges highlights like “Possible Harm” and “Ships” shine with understated pop sensibility, Moundroukas' turns on “Pastime Endeavor” and “The Truth about Cats and Dogs” take the album down a notch. The closer “Lines Bleed” sounds like a morose ballad a nu-metal group would manufacture in order to look sensitive despite their pain.

But the songs on Make Love to the Judges that are refined and thoughtful are imbued with loose, semi-repetitive structures and impressive writing. “Possible Harm” is infectious, while “Only Feel Good” switches from sexy 70's soul vibe to a Beatles-esque chorus -- accompanied by an accordion -- without blinking. When Pony Up's vocal harmonies are really on, you can swear you've heard them before.

They show a lot of potential: If they ever make it to mainstream radio, I'm sure they'll be welcomed with open arms. And they will no doubt have indie rockers discussing which member they'll try and hit on when the tour comes around.

But Pony Up has been through all of that before. They know what guys are all about. And it's not the music.

April 26, 2006

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