Polara - Beekeeping

 05/06/2008 03:38:58  ♥ written by andrew ()

Polara - E Flat Polara Rating:

     Polara possesses what I consider the classic Twin Cities rock sound - distort guitars and crisp vocals which provide just enough of a radio-friendly pop-rock feel to appeal to the masses while retaining enough artistic originality to placate even the most snobby hipster (that's me). Some call it "noise-pop," others "psychedelic." I call it ear-candy. I call it bliss. I call it Saturday afternoons in spring 1995 spent writing e-mails to local bands begging them to "please play more all-ages shows." I call it vintage Minneapolis. 

      Polara continues their long-standing relationship with the Susstones label with their first full-length since 2002, "Beekeeping," released today. (Incidentally: it's my opinion that Susstones is the most underrated Twin-cities-based label in business today). This album is simply quintessential Polara. Ed Ackerson, Jennifer Jurgens and Peter Anderson have turned out the kind of quality effort I've come to expect in every offering since their 1995 self-titled debut. With rockers like "E-Flat" and "Out Of Your Hands," Ackerson's agreeably sweet voice balances the guitar-work like the second spoonful of sugar in my deliciously powerful French roast. And like that coffee, it's filled me with a sort of heady euphoria that will have me buzzing around the neighborhood for hours. With 11 tracks coming in at a brisk 39 minutes, this album is a must-buy for any Minneapolis rock fan - or anyone wondering just what the hell I'm going on about all the time.

     If you can; check out Polara's album release show at the Varsity Theater this Friday (May 9th). Fellow Susstones acts The Alarmists, The Mood Swings and Mercurial Rage open.