Description
Poi Dog Pondering – Volo Volo – Cassette
Released in 1992, Poi Dog Pondering’s Volo Volo is an eclectic, genre-blurring album that showcases the band’s unique ability to blend folk, rock, world music, and dance elements into a vibrant, joyful sound. Known for their adventurous spirit and diverse instrumentation, Poi Dog Pondering continued to push musical boundaries with Volo Volo, creating a collection of songs that celebrate life, love, and the beauty of human connection.
Led by Frank Orrall, Poi Dog Pondering emerged from the alternative rock scene in the late 1980s but quickly distinguished themselves by incorporating a wide array of musical influences, from Latin rhythms and Afrobeat to folk and orchestral elements. Volo Volo is the band’s third studio album and represents a significant creative leap, expanding their sonic palette while maintaining the playful, free-spirited energy that had endeared them to fans.
Poi Dog Pondering was always a band better appreciated in a live context, its albums never quite capturing the excitement of the group’s rock/folk/pop/world music stew. The reason is simple: like other fun jam bands such as Phish, Aquarium Rescue Unit and the like, Poi Dog never really mastered the art of writing concise, radio-friendly songs, preferring to let their tight grooves and polyrhythmic percussion beds carry the music. Unfortunately, in the case of what is, at its core, a rock band, this approach often makes for somewhat lackluster records, and Volo Volo is no exception.
Poi Dog Pondering here seems to be attempting a move into a more pop-oriented direction, sounding at times like a bizarre meeting between Santana, the Meters, Wham!, and Simple Minds. While the group deserves an ‘A’ for effort, without the glue of catchy songwriting to hold the disparate elements together, the mix never really works that well. In fact, the best ‘songs’ on the album are not really songs at all, but new-agey instrumental pieces (‘Endtrance’ and ‘Entrance’).
There is certainly enough variety throughout to keep one’s attention, from the New Orleans-style soul of ‘Be the One’ to the stadium rock guitar wall of ‘Blood and Thunder.’ In the end though, Volo Volo is sadly a case of too much talent, not enough focus.
By the time they released Volo Volo, Poi Dog Pondering had already established themselves as one of the most unique and unpredictable bands of their era. Formed in Honolulu, Hawaii, before relocating to Austin, Texas, and eventually Chicago, the band’s sound was shaped by their diverse backgrounds and the wide range of musical styles they encountered. This diversity became their defining characteristic, with Orrall leading an ever-changing lineup of musicians who brought a multitude of influences to the table.
Volo Volo was recorded during a period of creative exploration for the band. Building on the folk-rock foundations of their earlier albums, Poi Dog Pondering embraced more electronic and dance-oriented elements, resulting in a record that feels both organic and futuristic. The album’s title, Volo Volo, translates from Italian as “I Fly, I Fly,” reflecting the band’s sense of freedom and unrestrained creativity.
Volo Volo is a kaleidoscopic blend of musical styles, with each track offering something different in terms of mood, instrumentation, and genre. The band’s signature folk-rock sound is present, but it’s often enhanced by rich layers of percussion, horns, strings, and synthesizers, creating a vibrant, danceable sound that feels like a celebration of life’s most joyful moments.
One of the most prominent elements of Volo Volo is the incorporation of world music influences, particularly Latin and African rhythms. Tracks like ‘U Li La Lu’ and ‘Ta Bouche Est Tabou’ feature infectious percussion and dynamic horn sections, creating a sense of movement and energy that’s impossible to resist. These influences give the album a global, multicultural feel.
While the album pushes into new sonic territory, Poi Dog Pondering’s folk and rock roots are still present. Songs like ‘Lackluster’ and ‘Jack Ass Ginger’ retain the acoustic guitar and melodic sensibilities of the band’s earlier work, with Orrall’s poetic lyrics and warm vocals grounding the album in emotional authenticity. One of the most exciting aspects of Volo Volo is the incorporation of electronic and dance music influences, which would become even more prominent in the band’s later work. Tracks like ‘Diamonds and Buttermilk’ and ‘Collarbone’ feature driving, danceable rhythms and shimmering synthesizers, giving the album a modern, forward-looking edge.
The album’s lush, layered arrangements are one of its standout features. Poi Dog Pondering’s use of strings, horns, and a variety of percussion instruments adds depth and texture to the songs, creating a sound that is both expansive and intimate. This rich instrumentation gives the album a sense of grandeur, even as it maintains a playful, celebratory tone.
Volo Volo is filled with themes of love, human connection, and the joy of being alive. Orrall’s lyrics often take on a poetic, stream-of-consciousness quality, reflecting on the beauty of everyday moments and the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures. The album’s upbeat, life-affirming themes are matched by the music’s vibrant energy, making Volo Volo feel like a celebration of both the personal and the universal.
Many of the songs on Volo Volo celebrate the beauty of love and human relationships. Tracks like ‘Complicated’ and ‘Be the One’ are tender, heartfelt explorations of romantic love, while songs like ‘U Li La Lu’ speak to the joy of connection on a broader, more communal level. Volo Volo is filled with moments of pure joy and exuberance, reflecting the band’s optimistic worldview. Songs like ‘Jack Ass Ginger’ and ‘Ta Bouche Est Tabou’ are playful, carefree, and full of life, capturing the infectious energy of the band’s music and the spontaneous, celebratory nature of their performances.
The album’s wide-ranging musical influences reflect the band’s embrace of cultural diversity and their desire to explore different sounds and traditions. Orrall’s lyrics often reflect this sense of exploration, with songs like ‘Collarbone’ and ‘Diamonds and Buttermilk’ drawing on imagery from various cultures and celebrating the beauty of diversity.
Volo Volo received positive reviews from critics, who praised the band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive, joyful sound. While Poi Dog Pondering never achieved mainstream commercial success, the album solidified their reputation as a band that was unafraid to push boundaries and experiment with different genres. The album’s eclecticism and celebration of life’s joys made it a favorite among fans, who appreciated the band’s commitment to artistic freedom and creativity.
Though Volo Volo didn’t achieve massive commercial success, it remains an important part of Poi Dog Pondering’s legacy, reflecting their ability to blend a wide range of musical influences while staying true to their free-spirited, adventurous nature.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Life and Music
Volo Volo is a joyful, eclectic album that captures Poi Dog Pondering at their creative peak. With its blend of world music, folk, rock, and dance influences, the album is a vibrant celebration of life, love, and human connection. The band’s willingness to explore new sounds and incorporate diverse influences makes Volo Volo a standout in their discography, offering a rich, dynamic listening experience that feels both playful and profound.
For fans of genre-defying music that blends eclectic influences with heartfelt, life-affirming themes, Volo Volo is a must-listen. It’s an album that invites listeners to dance, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of the world around them.
Columbia Records
Track Listing
1. Lackluster
2. Collarbone
3. Get Me On
4. Hardest Thing, The
5. Ta Bouche Est Tabu
6. I’ve Got My Body
7. Jack Ass Ginger
8. Be The One
9. Tall
10. Building
11. Te Manu Pukarua
12. Blood And Thunder
13. Entrance
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