It makes sense that Baltimore-based Ponytail is one of the most buzzed about names in art rock today as they met as undergrads at the Maryland Institute College of Art (a professor paired them together as band in a class called "Para-Painting"). At the end of the semester, the genre-blasting quartet decided to stay together and make a name for themselves in a scene dominated by talented artists like Dan Deacon and Beach House.

Some have compared Ponytail to Deerhoof, but that doesn't really do the trick—or take lead singer Molly Siegel's yowling, non-verbal vocals into account. They're more like Deerhoof chugging Pixy stix in the middle of a lightning storm, laughing to the point of tears at the crazy adventure that is life. It's as if they are each making an abstract sound painting, drawing energy and inspiration from their bandmates as they plug along. Not to imply that the results are random; far from it, this beautiful chaos is a carefully-orchestrated collaborative effort.

Their recent sophomore release, Ice Cream Spiritual, encapsulates the raw yet refined sound that separates Ponytail from your typical noise band and elevates them to something that feels more profound. Their unhinged approach to making music isn't for everyone, but there's something primal about hearing Siegel shriek, wail and moan—especially when she's performing live—that will make you want to sing...er, or howl...along too.

Ponytail plays Bottom of the Hill with High Places and Hawnay Troof on Wednesday night.

- Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:art, indie rock, live show, noise band

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