GENRE; Rock
LABEL; Take this to Heart
RATING; 4/5
Released on February 13, 2026, PONY’s third full‑length album Clearly Cursed finds the Toronto indie pop‑rock outfit balancing effervescent melodies with surprisingly weighty themes. What might’ve begun as a quirky concept – frontperson Sam Bielanski taking inspiration from a psychic’s claim that they were “cursed” – is transformed into an engaging set of songs that feel both exuberant and introspective.
Across its ten tracks, the album blends sugared‑up power pop, fuzzy guitars, and shimmering synths into a vibrant sound that recalls bands like The Cure and Charly Bliss while keeping a distinctly modern feel. Opener “Superglue” sets the tone with bouncy rhythms and catchy hooks, and tracks like “Middle of Summer” juxtapose sun‑soaked energy with unexpectedly emotional lyricism rooted in loss.
Lyrically, Clearly Cursed walks a fine line between playful and poignant. Lines from songs like “Blame Me” and “Every Little Crumb” reveal Kurtzian self‑reflection enveloped in pop jangle, making even the heavier moments feel oddly uplifting. There’s a consistent thematic tug between inner turmoil and effervescent melody that keeps the listener engaged throughout the relatively concise 30‑minute runtime.
Critically, the album has met generally positive feedback, with an aggregated critic score around 68/100, suggesting that while not universally hailed as a masterpiece, Clearly Cursed is widely appreciated for its songwriting and distinct sonic identity.
Overall, Clearly Cursed is a compelling snapshot of PONY at a creative peak, delivering sugar‑coated pop rock that’s as cathartic as it is catchy – an album that feels bright on the surface but invites deeper listening beneath its glossy hooks.
