Image via Dana Trippe //

The Pond frontman’s latest solo effort doesn’t disappoint…

Almost two years following the release of Pond’s ninth studio album 9, frontman and co-founder of the band Nick Allbrook has shared the latest fruits of his creative efforts, releasing his latest solo single ‘Jackie’.

The new record follows the release of last month’s ‘If I Hadn’t Met Feefee Brown’ and sees the Aussie rock veteran serve up a glimmering ballad inspired by loss and hope. Charged by retro synths, steady drum lines and glitzy piano lines, the soundscape crafted by Allbrook and HOKO (mixed by frequent collaborator Jay Watson) is eerie and mystical, which the multi-instrumentalist matches with emotive vocals that utilise all parts of his range.

The accompanying video doubles down on the surrealist nature of the sonics, featuring Allbrook performing the song in a dark room as a spotlight shines on top of him. However, halfway through the clip a clown joins him, in what becomes a fascinating and stirring duet.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new ballad, Allbrook explains, “This song is about my friend (whose name isn’t Jackie) who died in 2021. She was fantastic and the news left me with familiar feelings of guilt and regret and “Why didn’t I do more or know better”.

“I don’t usually get hit with creative bolts while running, but by the canal once in London I was struck with the hopeful image of her rowing away from the earth that had been so hurtful and hard, on a black lake surrounded by stars, finally finding peace and silence.”

It’s safe to say the new single mirrors that mental image in spades.Thankfully, it seems there’s plenty more on the way, with Allbrook’s upcoming solo album Manganese set to be released on June 9th. Be sure to buy/stream ‘Jackie’ here and pre-order Manganese here.