aaamusic | On 03, Apr 2012

Kathryn Williams presents The Pond
Debut album released 28th May 2012

A ‘democratic mud pit’, The Pond is Kathryn Williams – ‘Without doubt one of the most authentic folk voices in the country’ (Q) – and fellow musicians, Simon Edwards and Ginny Clee, who have created an album project that will take many by surprise. For Kathryn – currently in the middle of a creative purple patch – it’s a bold and exciting move that augments vintage beats, 60’s pop, tape loops, Eastern notes – even a rapper (Kirsch, on ‘Bebop’).

Some of The Pond’s songs have a sunny, laid back disposition (‘Circle Round A Tree’, ‘Art Of Doing Nothing’) but others leave a surprising impression of darkness. There is nothing in Kathryn’s catalogue to prepare one for the eerie strangeness of ‘End Of The Pier’, the foreboding notes of ‘Memory Let Down’ or the sparkling, mysterious possesion of ‘The River’ – or indeed a great deal else here. Comparisons may be made to down-tempo artists like Lemon Jelly, Mint Royale and Bent, but The Pond’s emphasis is on songs and voices – the interaction between Kathryn & Ginny creating some intoxicating harmonies.

Catch a sneak preview of new song ‘The River’ at thepondmusic.com

The band are excited to announce live dates for late May and early June – below – making their live debut with a special showcase at The Social, Little Portland Street W1 on Wednesday 18th April.

Mon 28th May Brighton Komedia
Tue 29th May London Union Chapel
Wed 30th May Manchester Ruby Lounge
Fri 1st Jun Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Sat 2nd Jun Glasgow King Tuts
Sun 3rd Jun Gateshead Sage 2

The Pond’s music developed – alongside friendships – over a two year period of on/ off recording at Simon & Ginny’s home studio in North London and by exchanging files over email with Newcastle-based Kathryn. Pooling their talents into The Pond’s eponymous debut, the album’s 11 tunes are infused with the warmth and playfulness of its makers – with Adrian Utley’s mix giving the bright, ultra-vivid melodies a depth and louché sophistication.

“From working closely with Simon on my last three releases, it was natural to mess about in the studio in downtime,” explains Kathryn of the project. “We had no plans or ideas of forming a band, we were just having fun and experimenting with sounds and ideas. Slowly the sound came together and we were able to hear what was ‘The Pond’ and what wasn’t. It’s been very democratic – being able to share the responsibility and the joy of a record is great. Plus being able to say I’m in a band sounds cool(!)”

The project naturally lends itself to the remix treatment – look out for versions by experimental film soundtrack composer Biggi Hillmars (‘Art Of Doing Nothing’), Marky Bates (‘Memory Let Down’, ‘Circle Round A Tree’) and Andy Jenks (‘Carved’).

A quick heads up on Kathryn’s co-conspirators. Simon – a much in demand session player – cut his teeth in Fairground Attraction scoring a worldwide hit with Perfect in 1988, the song winning the Best Single award at the following year’s BRITS (the parent album, The First of a Million Kisses also picking up the Best Album gong). Ginny meanwhile started out in her pop life as one half of The Dear Janes, subsequently contributing vocals to records by everyone from Robert Plant to Robyn Hitchcock.