Single of the Week: “Like You Less / Had Enough” by Jetstream Pony


Jetstream Pony are an alternative rock band based in Brighton/Croydon, whose melodic rock permeates an understated cool, calm and collective aura, whilst allowing their sentiments to radiate and linger. With Beth Arzy (Trembling Blue Stars/Luxembourg Signal/Lightning in a Twilight Hour) on vocals, Shaun Charman (The Wedding Present/The Popguns/The Fireworks) on guitar, Kerry Boettcher (Turbocat) on bass and Sara Boyle (Shelley Mack Band) on drums, “Jetstream Pony” are simultaneously  free-flowing whilst remaining fiercely combatant.

They are a breezy mix of murky garage, throbbing post-punk, and quantum noise-pop, whilst being sweetened by the exquisite tones of Arzy. As a front woman, Arzy bridges the gap between the shoegazing tones of Lush, third wave feminism associated with the Riot grrrl movement with the combined aesthetics and ethos of the Brit-pop female-fronted bands such as Elastica,  and Sleeper.

In an age where music is often technologically enhanced, stripping down its spirit and soul, “Jetstream Pony” are that guitar-laden band that goes back to basics, reinforcing a raw and authentic sound. They are subtly paradoxical, whose double-sided debut singles “Like You Less” and “Had Enough”, has been selected my “Single of the Week”.

Released on 4th September 2017,  “Like You Less” and “Had Enough” has been in high demand and recently sold out on its limited 7 inch vinyl, at Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten, but there are a few copies left at Tapete Records so it’s a case of first come, first served. With an album in the pipeline and further gig dates to be announced, “Jetstream Pony” are definitely a band worth checking out!

Had Enough

With its bolstering beats and hazy riffs, “Had Enough” drifts in from the shores from garage rock, likened to Pavement and The Smashing Pumpkins. It’s a great track whose industrial percussion and crashing riffs ebb and flow across the turbulent undercurrents. Through the serene vocals of Arzy and dual backing vocals, “Had Enough” is a great reminder of that quintessential post-punk song, which has purified its angst, producing  a more sun-drenched, noise-pop sound.

Like You Less

It’s through the pristine vocals of Arzy “Like You Less” is lifted out of the doldrums, whilst resonating against the up tempo and fuzzy riffs. It’s a fantastic track, which  reverberates in the shadows of The Pastels and The Vaselines, whilst pulsating with a refreshing gust of noise-pop, ambience. Along with the robust beats, and angular riffs, “Like You Less” shifts its axis away from weather-beaten horizon and polar jets into a more tropical climate.

Featured photo by Alia Halstead.