Ponyland’s latest release, ‘Hare Brain,’ smashes through the barriers of conventional genres with double-drumkit chaos and mind-bending sonic textures.

The Newcastle-based outfit has crafted an album that feels like a punk-fueled fever dream, with dense layers of psychedelic distortion and erratic rhythms that pull you into their electric storm. Their fierce female vocals strike like a bolt of lightning, cutting through the whirlwind of noise and anchoring the album in anthemic rebellion. With ‘Hare Brain,’ Ponyland beckons listeners into a new musical dimension where the lines between jazz, punk, and psychedelia dissolve into a dizzying vortex of sound and energy.

Could you introduce yourselves and tell us how the band got together?

Adam Stapleford: Ponyland formed in 2017 when Frankie and I were living with a group of creative people off the grid in a forest. Our living situation was a constant flow of projects, builds, and parties. We created a band to play at these parties and even started a parody folk band that did banjo covers of Beyoncé songs! The idea for Ponyland stuck, and the DIY energy from that time continues to influence our live shows.

What’s the creative process behind your latest album, ‘Hare Brains’?

Many of the songs on ‘Hare Brains’ started as guitar riffs and sections that we developed through rehearsals and jam sessions. We spent a week at the Glasshouse in the North East, combining rehearsal and recording, capturing two drum kits in a small rehearsal space with borrowed mics. These songs were already part of our live shows, so the band’s sound had become more focused and tight. The album explores the heavier, more driving side of our music.

What were the inspirations and influences that shaped the music and lyrics?

Our influences range from nature and society to mental health and the idea of resisting mainstream labels to create your own identity. Some of our songs are inspired by mutant animals, shark-bait, and the hardcore and psychedelia genres. Our musical influences include System of a Down, Lightning Bolt, Animal Collective, pop-punk, and doom metal.

The lead single from the album, ‘Chum,’ has been described as a departure from your previous sound. What prompted this evolution, and how does it represent the direction of the entire album?

We’ve embraced our love of riffs and driving rhythms. After performing many gigs with a more jam-oriented vibe, we noticed audiences really lit up when we tightened things up and delivered high-energy, explosive moments. ‘Chum’ has a mysterious and foreboding opening that transitions into an energetic boogie riff before concluding with a heavy dose of doom-sludge. It’s a fun track, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Can you share insights into the songwriting process and the personal experiences or emotions that influenced the lyrics?

‘Hare Brains’ covers a wide range of themes. Some songs explore political and environmental topics, reflecting the impact of austerity on public services and the power of community action during challenging times. Other songs focus on burnout and apathy, as well as consumerism and the toxic impact of advertising. We also have some pure fantasy tracks, like one that imagines a city ruled by a giant mutant pigeon—a question everyone should ask themselves at least once!

<a href="https://upinherroom.bandcamp.com/album/hare-brains">Hare Brains by Ponyland</a>

Do you feel ‘Hare Brains’ is a concept album?

While it’s not a traditional narrative concept album, it has a strong thematic core. It explores how mainstream culture can be hostile to alternative lifestyles, labeling them as “dysfunctional.” There’s also a sense of danger and threat in some songs, emphasizing the importance of celebrating your uniqueness and community.

How would you compare ‘Hare Brains’ to your previous album, ‘Mora Mora’?

‘Hare Brains’ is more focused, riff-heavy, and cohesive. ‘Mora Mora’ was a psychedelic mix of different ideas, like dancing through the apocalypse. ‘Hare Brains’ takes a more pointed approach, suggesting that the apocalypse has happened, so now it’s time to grab your tools and get to work.

Tell us about your gear and equipment.

We use two drum kits, a loud guitar, a bass with synthy pedals, and a baritone saxophone with even more pedals. Our vocal mics are also processed through pedals. Plus, there’s a big rabbit head that someone might wear during a gig. We like to keep it interesting!

Are any of you involved in other bands or side projects?

Yes, everyone is active outside of Ponyland. Jordie and Adam are part of ‘Yes Grasshopper,’ a two-piece scuzz rock band. Matt and John play in various jazz lineups in the North East. We love collaborating with other musicians, and these experiences often bring new ideas back to Ponyland.

What are your future plans?

We’re going on a UK album tour in March and April, with festival dates and local shows later in the year. We’re adapting our gig schedule because Jordie and Frankie are bringing their baby along on tour. We’re even writing a blog about touring with a baby.

Could you share some of your favorite albums? Any new recommendations for our readers?

Some of our favorites are:

Lightning Bolt – ‘Ride the Skies’
Tom Waits – ‘Rain Dogs’
Sons of Kemet – ‘Lest We Forget What We Came Here to Do’
Sun Ra – ‘Super Sonic Jazz’
We also recommend checking out Paddy Steer, a Mancunian synth builder and alien drummer extraordinaire. His album Arkipelagon is fantastic. You can find it on Bandcamp.