Most ponds are stagnant but this one isn't. It's a place where Kathryn Williams can escape the splendid isolation of being a sensitive song writer and mess around a bit.
She calls it "a democratic mud pit" which she wallows about in with former Fairground Attraction member Simon Edwards and Ginny Clee. "Being able to say 'I'm in a band' sounds cool" she gushes.
It is mixed by Portishead's Adrian Utley who adds a trip-hoppy glaze to proceedings. She even sounds a little like Beth Gibbons in parts but mostly she sounds like Kathryn Williams.
In other words, The Pond is a departure from her usual stuff but not so far removed as to alienate her fans. It's "more Gorillaz than Guthrie" she explains but,in truth, this is still more folk roots than funky pop experimentation.
Circle Round The Tree is bright, sunny and radio friendly while Art of Doing Nothing and Hard Shoulder (with Clee on lead vocals) are warm and whimsical.
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You do get some breathy melancholia on the opening and closing tracks (Carved and Aim) but as these sound more like Dido it's a relief that the whole album isn't like this.
The band get carried away on the dub remixing for End Of The Pier and employing a young rap artist (Kirsch) for The Beebop was not such a great idea but when it all comes together, as it does with global beats on The River, you are ready to forgive these indulgences.
The Pond's website
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