:: New Young Pony Club - Forum Theatre, Melbourne - January 2008

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

When I first saw the band's name printed I quickly thought “Neil Young Pony Club” - what's this? I had to look twice to make sure I was wrong. But no, one needs to look closely into this UK band of three females and two males, and realise how energetic and captivating they are in performance. The band was one of the drawcards of the Summadayze 2008 Festival and had the time to fit in a separate show at the atmospheric Forum Theatre in Melbourne.

Led by the charismatic frontwoman Tahita Bulmer, who is ruthlessly ferocious, it is not hard to see the appeal of the New Young Pony Club. They have an infectious, upbeat and carefree attitude that has endeared them on big and small stages.

Naturally, the album “Fantastic Playroom” sets up the content of their set list with popular singles “The Bomb” and “Ice Cream” winning over hands down. The song “Get Lucky” also reaches out with a feel-good dance vibe. Most of the songs generally do and that's exactly what Tahita and band want to achieve: make people dance.

The band staged a very pleasing and vibrant show, indicating that they are improving all the time and their disaffected style is getting the right results.