PING PoNG’s Extraterrestrial Activities

Bouncing between a stormy surf-rock tumble, groovy funk-ska blend and complex riff-excursions this Ann Arbor trio jams.

There’s poignancy to singer/guitarist Jordan Collingridge’s soft, lilting vocal hook of the considerably definitive single from their forthcoming album, exuding every musicians aching urge to escape from the rigmaroles of the work week and into the practice space, onto the stage, into the studio.  

Now we know how “jam” can be a dirty word to some of you indie-rockers, but we assure there’s nothing “Phishy” going on here. The trio, with drummer Marty Rivard and bassist Nick Zomparelli keep things considerably tight and moving, whittling, with their minimalist instrumentation, these humming sunny bursts down to three minutes or less, kicked along at steady tempos, bedecked by nimble funk comping.

Their full length album, Extraterrestrial Activities has its release party next week at the Blind Pig; the concert features PING PoNG, along with locals JUNGLEFOWL, Wild Savages and Archie Powell & The Exports (from Chicago).

“Head Open Wide” is another single currently streaming online. This track sets a danceable tempo—something to dip and sway to—splashed with a bit of sunbaked soul from a fluttering organ. It’s an ideal summer shaker for those sunset parties in the backyard or the beach. Again, that sweet, subdued tone to Collingridge’s voice starts to shine more as an optimal complement to the steady grooves laid down by his rhythm section.  

This writer, however, found their winning jam to be “Wiley Way.”

From the get go, the beat’s more fierce, the bass is louder in the mix and the guitars slice their way over the top of everything with this igniting riff, fuzzed to a cool-as-hell tone that typifies a freewheeling summertime… jam! Yes, jam. There really is no other word for it.

PING PoNG's Release Show for Extraterrestrial Activities is next Saturday (May 16) at the Blind Pig (208 S. 1st St, Ann Arbor) with Wild Savages, Archie Powell & The Exports (from IL), and JUNGLEFOWL.

Doors 9:30 PM /  $7 (or $10 for under 21).

Stay tuned…

Next month, PING PoNG join the expansive lineup for the fourth annual YPSIARBOROO Festival (June  – June 8). Make sure to pick up next month’s issue of The CURRENT to read an exclusive interview with YpsiArboroo curator Chris Anderson.  

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Jeff covers music for Current, posting weekly show previews and highlighting new bands in the area.

Jeff Milo
Jeff Milo
Jeff covers music for Current, posting weekly show previews and highlighting new bands in the area.

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