The Ponsonby DC: That's What All the Girls Say Review

The Ponsonby DC's are a cult phenomenon in New Zeland. As with many cult bands, they have a certain "it" factor. They are one of those bands that you need to "get" in order to enjoy. Bands with that similar characteristic may be Frank Zappa or Gentle Giant for instance, who may be too outlandish for their own good to most, but for those who understand their music, they are geniuses. The Ponsonby DC’s don’t resemble Zappa or Gentle Giant in any way, but they do have that unique quality, where their music is odd enough to require a certain understanding that is more natural than learned. And it is that quality, that makes their work more redeeming.

The Ponsonby DC’s mainly have a sound similar to Lou Reed’s, but they mix up their music enough to give it plenty of variety, throwing in the Oldies sound, and sometimes even a little regaee. What makes their music a little difficult to absorb at first listen, is that it is filled with humor. Not the kind of humor you would see from Tenacious D, but an almost dry kind of humor. The lyrics are extremely literal, and at first listen it may sound ridiculous, but you have to realize that is what they were going for. To sum up the lyrics, they are very tongue in cheek.

Couple the good music with absurd lyrics, then there is a little bit more to enjoy than with most bands. The music isn’t extraordinarily good, it probably won’t have you marveling at any individual achievements, but the song writing is strong enough to be appreciated. That’s What All the Girls Say wasn’t enough to have me begging for their entire catalog, but the time spent with their music was an interesting and rewarding experience.

Grade: B-