7/10

In recent years, the psych-rock sound of Australia has almost become the national export of the whole country. While fellow contemporaries such as Tame Impala and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard continue to dominate the genre on the world stage, POND have managed to generate a strong and loyal following over the years, but one that seems to be more forgiving when the band looks to experiment with something new. Now onto their eighth studio album 'Tasmania', the group have invited the production help of Kevin Parker for their latest release, which has given them a more diverse and progressive sound in the process.

With less of a reliance on guitars and more focus on electronics, 'Tasmania' feels more like an outlandish electro-pop record than the direction we are used to. Blending the warped and psychedelic sound of their previous material into an expansive and bold electronic soundscape, the group look keen to broaden their musical horizons in order to deliver something that not too many would have expected. While singles like the record's title-track still push that same woozy and laid-back intention, the highlights of this release remain in the band's brave and uncompromising musical scope.

It certainly feels like a more disjointed affair than we are used to, but still manages to maintain a level head and produce an eclectic yet succinct record with all their classic hallmarks. Giving off the impression that they are on the hunt for a new sound, 'Tasmania' sits as a solid return with plenty of that original POND flair.