With 3 EPs on Interscope Records and touring extensively with the likes of The Japanese House, Bleachers, NIKI, and Hayley Kiyoko, August Ponthier (formerly Allison Ponthier) has a history in the music industry. And that history is on full display in their latest release, Everywhere Isn’t Texas. Chronicling their beginnings in Texas to being dropped from a major label, telling one’s story seems like an appropriate theme for their full-length debut album. Life on the road and escaping Texas has clearly had a profound effect on Ponthier’s sound, which blends folk and country roots with pop sensibility. To me, they evoke what I like about artists such as Kacey Musgraves and Sara Watkins. The ability to craft melodies that hook you while not being overproduced or cliché. It is a fine line to walk, which Ponthier does deftly.
Despite coming from a completely different background, August Ponthier’s story resonated with me, prompting me to think about the question: where are you from?
Opening the record is “World Famous”. An elegant track that demonstrates Ponthier’s wrestling with the idea of being famous. The lyrics suggest fame is more of a fantasy on planet Earth, but could be a reality for the misfits on other planets. In stranger places or multiverses away, they’d be “World Famous”. With references to Elvira and Vincent Price, you get the feeling Ponthier isn’t comfortable in this decade of disposable pop music. The song does have an otherworldly and timeless character to it. Dreamy electric piano tracks shimmer behind strumming acoustic guitars and simple drum beats. Ponthier’s voice is lush and fills out the space in the instrumentation. While not quite as autobiographical as other tracks, it does give you a peek into their mindset about performing and their place in the music industry.
“Ribbons & Taxes” reveals more about Ponthier’s childhood. The lyrics cover being a tantruming child, liking pretty pink things, and then the embarrassment that comes about those experiences in adolescence. The hook of this song is infectious! I’m wearin’ my ribbons as I’m doin’ my taxes. It’s baby’s first time living, and you don’t get to practice. Ponthier laments the loss of girlhood while recognizing they can reclaim it if they want. We get more of their country roots in the instrumentation, too. There’s a pedal steel guitar that moans out the opening strains, then rolls into a warbling acoustic guitar. It’s a gorgeous song telling a relatable story of having to grow up in a hurry.
The title track, Everywhere Isn’t Texas continues August Ponthier’s story and explanation of their early experiences.
They seem to be convincing themselves that it’s ok to leave the Texas mindset they grew up with. The choruses feature double-tracked vocals that give the feeling of an inner monologue as they sing Everywhere isn’t Texas, and you don’t have to stay in this state alone. The verses are single-tracked on the vocals and describe Ponthier’s feeling that they were not themselves there and, in fact, couldn’t be themselves. The song shimmers with bells chiming in the background and thick keys and guitars in the foreground. It’s a vulnerable song that endears you to the artist.
Up next, “Karaoke Queen” explains Ponthier’s early experiences working with the major label that would eventually drop her. They find redemption in a karaoke bar, which leads to the revelation that they can be whoever they want to be. For those of you who tried and failed at what everyone wanted you to be, you’ll find a kindred spirit in August Ponthier. It’s the kind of sparsity that gives room for storytelling, not unlike my favorite folk songs. Despite its simplicity, it’s still a treat for the ears. The song features beautiful guitar strumming that pans between left and right channels with a swelling chorus.
There’s no doubt that audiophiles will enjoy the depth and spaciousness of the sound August Ponthier offers.
“Bloodline” is all about ending generational curses. I’m terrified that traumatizing is my legacy. I think the bloodline ends with me. In so many ways, we’re shaped by the most stressful experiences of our lives, many of which we don’t experience directly. Our parents and grandparents pass along their trauma and so on. Hopefully, we’re aware of these predispositions and try to heal them. Ponthier makes a bold decision to declare they’re not having children. And in times like these, who could blame them? We really get to hear August’s range as they effortlessly change registers between the chorus and verses. It is another simple track that highlights the vocals. There’s lovely reverb added to the tails of each line that really pulls you into the song.
“Where are you from?” A common question might receive a common answer, such as the name of your hometown, state, or country, depending on the situation.
I usually answer the question with Omaha, Nebraska. But if I have time to tell the story,y you’ll learn I spent most of my time in the suburb of Bellevue, NE. It’s a military town where my father’s family moved to from Virginia in the mid-50s. As an Air Force brat, I’ve also lived in places from the Azores to Guam and several points in between. So, where am I from, and what influences who I am today? It’s a lot deeper than just Omaha. While listening to Everywhere Isn’t Texas, what I got was a deep understanding of an artist’s backstory. An artist taking their time to give us a clear answer to the question I kept asking myself: Where are you from?
I’m cheering for August Ponthier to continue to put out authentic albums like Everywhere Isn’t Texas. It feels like a statement that they will do just that.
They have clearly drawn from real-life experiences, which gives each song a genuineness that popular music lacks. Their country roots are evident throughout, with a dash of folk and smoky lounge acts. The songs are well-produced and easy on the ears. You could easily find yourself listening to the full album in one session. I enjoyed both the listening and the journey August Ponthier takes us on. Now, I better understand their influences and what shapes their unique point-of-view. They truly have a knack for storytelling, and maybe it will inspire you to tell the story of where you are from. Imagine you’re answering that question honestly and with the depth required for someone to really understand you. You might be able to fill up a memoir with all of those details. August manages to tell their origin story in the space of 10 songs on their fourth release, Everywhere Isn’t Texas.
For more information on August Ponthier and to purchase Everywhere Isn’t Texas on vinyl, visit their official site.