The Ponys delivered one of last year's most bracing debuts, lacing together '60s garage rock, '70s/'80s punk/post punk and lots of echo on "Laced With Romance," a record that was pure rock 'n' roll.

The echo is pretty much long gone on their follow-up, "Celebration Castle." That doesn't come as a big surprise since the disc is "recorded" by Steve Albini, who makes determinedly indie, raw records. But "Celebration Castle" isn't the start-to-finish noise-fest that could be expected from Albini.

Instead, it's an expansion of the "Laced With Romance" formula adding Joy Division, The Cure and R.E.M. to the punky post-modern rocking mix. With singer Jared Rummere yelping like Richard Hell with a little Robert Smith figured in, the band moves easily from Velvet Underground drive to garage noise to chiming, ringing guitars without missing a beat.

There are just nine songs on "Celebration Castle." My favorites are the poppy "Today I'm With You" and the CBGB/glam rocking "Discoteca." But all are strong efforts that become more effective the more you hear them. That's the sign of a very good band hitting its stride. "Celebration Castle" isn't the revelation that "Laced With Romance" was. But it's an indicator that The Ponys are going to be around for awhile.

The Ponys

"Celebration Castle"

**** (out of five stars)