After releasing a few single tracks back in 2020 (none of which appear on this set), this Newcastle-upon-Tyne five-piece has readied a full set. If you're unfamiliar with the U.K., this is, indeed the Newcastle of Newcastle United F.C., Newcastle Brewing (no longer extant, alas--the American version of Newcastle Brown Ale is brewed by Lagunitas), etc. Just passing on the info.

Pit Pony World to Me (Clue Records)

Pit Pony, on the other hand, is out to bludgeon your soul. These rugged fuzz-bombs are primed for maximum damage, and they tend to hit their targets. The sound is a real throwback to the 80s, when plenty of bands cranked up their guitars and shined up their boots. I don't know if Pit Pony bothers with the look (I couldn't find enough pix to properly judge), but good holy hell, they know how to pummel.

Not metal, and not even hard rock. Just loud songs played with a finely-distorted edge. Pit Pony harkens back to a day when rock ruled, and I'm not sure what that means for the band's prospects. But whenever a band cranks out a set like this, I have to say there's always a chance.

Best of all, Pit Pony sounds like it's hardly breaking a sweat. These songs are so well-crafted that they sound inevitable. For a debut, Pit Pony sure sounds like it has been around for a while. Give this one two minutes and it will steal your heart--and whatever else you haven't locked down.

Jon Worley