Flourishing in front of a maths, science and fiction
backdrop, Nashville-based duo Wild Ponies brought an alternative slice of independent
Americana to Thimblemill Library on another successful venture of taking
meaningful music into the heart of our urban communities. Doug and Telisha
Williams have become widely praised perennial UK visitors since their first
trip with Rod Picott a couple of years ago and this inaugural visit deep into the
core of the industrial West Midlands saw their flame burn brighter with a new
band of admirers secured. For the handful of existing Wild Ponies fans
attending, it was business as usual in terms of music, songs and engaging
anecdotes, but the true worth of the evening was the rapturous reception given by
their new fans among a gathering that edged into three figures.
Clad in his grandfather’s stylish hat and armed with dual guitar
weaponry, including the trusty Telecaster, Doug thrived in this opportunity to
share his skills, values and passion for a commendable outlook on how music can
reflect the subtleties of life. Telisha displayed the precious virtues of grace
and a southern charm alongside her familiar upright bass and irresistible vocals
which wrap each song in a sassy cover. As per recent tours, they have acquired
the services of Tobias Humble on drums to provide that essential third rhythmic
dimension especially when the throttle is turned up. For two hours, intersected
by a short break, we were treated to songs from three sources: both recent
albums credited to the Wild Ponies and a surprising insight to a new exciting
project.
This last point is founded on the theory that the ink is
barely dry on their latest album RADIANT which has only surfaced on both sides
of the pond since midway through last year. However creative drive knows no
constraints and we were introduced to three new songs that herald the next
phase of the Wild Ponies. More on this will follow as the year pans out, but
for a little taster think purity, isolation, connection and that frozen in time pin
drop moment. Throw in accomplices such as Will Kimbrough and Amelia Curran to
add to the anticipation.
Who can resist a murder ballad? Wild Ponies can’t with ‘Trigger’ and ‘Lullaby’ both bringing some gore to the proceedings. For a take on nostalgia,
‘Things That Used to Shine’ fits the
bill, while in the name of NASCAR history, ‘Massey’s
Run’ adds some vibrancy to the pace. ‘Broken’
was another of the upbeat songs to make the set list and a super trait
surrounding the Wild Ponies is their versatile adeptness at contrasting song
tempos. Perhaps the most poignant moment of the show was Telisha opening up
about personal issues leading into a resounding version of ‘Make You Mine’.
To enhance this incredibly high value-for-money show, the
organisers booked the services of local band The Lost Notes as support and allotted
forty minutes for them to share a bunch of self-penned songs defined by
multi-part harmonies and a successful desire to entertain. Though appearing in
a slimmed down three person format from their usual five, the performance was
well-received and acted as the perfect opening tonic to set the scene for the
Wild Ponies.
In these times when promoting ‘below the radar’ music can be
a tough process, not from the quality of the artist but a general apathy to
crawl from under the corporate blanket, this show was a refreshing achievement.
There is a growing band of devoted folks across the UK ready to believe in the
Wild Ponies and the reception when presented in front of new audiences is guaranteed
to be positive. For one night, this buoyant and thriving essential local
community venue threw open its doors to welcome a small part of independent
East Tennessee. There is hope after all.
Thanks to Andy D. for the images
Thanks to Andy D. for the images