It's apparent that
Frogpond do have some punk and indie-rock influences, but on
Safe Ride Home any possible idiosyncrasies seem to have been ironed out in favor of a smooth, polished post-grunge sound -- a bit edgier than tourmates the Goo Goo Dolls but still an unabashedly pop/rock record at heart. Not that this is a bad thing -- the best moments prove that
Heidi Phillips can write serious, adult pop songs -- but one also wishes the band would take a few more chances in the manner of their stated influences like the Pixies, Breeders and Throwing Muses. ~ Steve Huey