Pondertone are a band from Utrecht, the Netherlands, formed around Patrick Tersteeg and Tom Swart. In their music they try to combine and redefine the borders between tradition and experiment, seriousness and lunacy. All subjects Great and Small such as love, alcohol and problems regarding communication are (mis)treated. Everyday stories, surreal dreams, statements and sheer banter are all part of the Pondertone vocabulary. Guitars, pianos and the lot are caressed and tortured, resulting in an evening filled with cranky garage rock, heartfelt whiskeybar ballads and everything in between, served with a spoonful of anarchy.
Patrick Tersteeg kind of started Pondertone in 1998 by recording a couple of songs and noises on borrowed (and generally cranky) equipment and instruments. In 2000 he decided he had enough material to fill an album and asked Roel to help finish it off. In 2001 this resulted in Selotape Frankenstein, reviewed by LiveXS as “a beautiful promise... and more”. Patrick has a broad interest in music and sound. His three most favorite albums of all time are: The Beatles’ White Album, Songs For Drella by Lou Reed and John Cale and Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus. He plays guitars, bass, double bass, synthesizers, noises, etc. and sings.
Tom Swart joined Patrick in 2000 to help write, compose, arrange and play Pondertone material. This was the duo that won a singer/songwriter contest in 2002, which enabled them to record Silence Is Now at Mailmen Studios.
This EP was reviewed by Oor as “a healthy feeling for musical adventure, coupled with the ability to write sticking compositions”. In 2005 Pondertone released Snake & Apacolips. Tom has studied musicology and written a paper on the music of John Cage. He has a broad interest in sound and music, is a dedicated follower of John Cale and treasures Elvis Costello’s Mighty Like A Rose as one of his favourite albums. Tom plays everything with keys, except the door.
Roel Jorna (backing vocals, guitars, noises)
Roel joined Pondertone in 2000 to help Patrick out with mixing and recording our infamous Selotape Frankenstein album. Since then he has been of help beyond comprehension. He built the website you’re now looking at, mixed all Pondertone material, played various parts on various tracks and joined Pondertone on stage. Roel also plays in Gloricz Jim and The Gasoline Brothers.
Jeroen Pelgrom (backing vocals, guitars, bass guitar, harmonica).
Jeroen joined Pondertone in 2001, playing on our, now legendary, first album releaseparty. Since then he contributed various parts on various tracks and has become a trusted member of the Pondertone band. Jeroen also plays in Gloricz Jim.
Gerben Schmidt (drums, percussion). Gerben joined Pondertone on a few occassions in 2006, filling in for Nicolette Lie. Since january 2007, he is our regular drummer/percussionist. We recorded half of the forthcoming album Fate Presto in his livingroom. Gerben also plays in Dial Prisko and with Harold K.
Patrick Tersteeg kind of started Pondertone in 1998 by recording a couple of songs and noises on borrowed (and generally cranky) equipment and instruments. In 2000 he decided he had enough material to fill an album and asked Roel to help finish it off. In 2001 this resulted in Selotape Frankenstein, reviewed by LiveXS as “a beautiful promise... and more”. Patrick has a broad interest in music and sound. His three most favorite albums of all time are: The Beatles’ White Album, Songs For Drella by Lou Reed and John Cale and Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus. He plays guitars, bass, double bass, synthesizers, noises, etc. and sings.
Tom Swart joined Patrick in 2000 to help write, compose, arrange and play Pondertone material. This was the duo that won a singer/songwriter contest in 2002, which enabled them to record Silence Is Now at Mailmen Studios.
This EP was reviewed by Oor as “a healthy feeling for musical adventure, coupled with the ability to write sticking compositions”. In 2005 Pondertone released Snake & Apacolips. Tom has studied musicology and written a paper on the music of John Cage. He has a broad interest in sound and music, is a dedicated follower of John Cale and treasures Elvis Costello’s Mighty Like A Rose as one of his favourite albums. Tom plays everything with keys, except the door.
Roel Jorna (backing vocals, guitars, noises)
Jeroen Pelgrom (backing vocals, guitars, bass guitar, harmonica).
Gerben Schmidt (drums, percussion). Gerben joined Pondertone on a few occassions in 2006, filling in for Nicolette Lie. Since january 2007, he is our regular drummer/percussionist. We recorded half of the forthcoming album Fate Presto in his livingroom. Gerben also plays in