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Polarboy
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With a sound that capitalizes on the maximum potential of
guitars, bass and a solid set of drumsticks, listening to
a Polarboy CD is like enrolling in a course in the fundamentals
of rock-n-roll. Unfazed by musical fads, Polarboy uses a "less
is more" approach to musicianship. Instead
of focusing on what's trendy, they use what works for them:
a combination of clever musical pacing and thoughtful vocal
inflection for a sound reminiscene of old-school REM and U2
fused with the modern sounds of Matchbox 20 and the Wallflowers.
With the success of their debut Back From Nowhere -which produced
several top-ten singles on CHR and Rock charts and a recent
Dove Award nomination in the short-form video category - it
seems Polarboy's musical instincts struck the right chord
with an often fickle listening audience. And with Polarboy
playing more than 150 concert venues during the year, it's
equally important that the chemistry that bonds Polarboy expands
beyond the parameters of their music. It wasn't always this
hectic for Polarboy, just four short years ago three of the
band members where at Lexington Bible college in Kentucky
studying to become youth pastors. Pol Buckingham (vocals/guitars),
Joe Nawrocki (lead guitars), and Rob Wilson (bass) started
a little praise band for the college and played various college
functions. Polarboy was born and it wasn't long until the
guys were writing their own music and playing their own songs.
After meeting drummer Matt Loftis and playing some independent
venues - as well as completing a demo - Polarboy had become
something more than a praise and worship band. Although from
different cities and with different personalities, the guys
knew that they were brought together for a divine purpose:
To play music
that reflects life for Christians as well as non-Christians;
music that aims to knock down the barriers between what is
labeled Christian and secular music. Polarboy wants to create
music that people will want to listen to whether Christian
or non-Christian. Polarboy is the kind of band that doesn't
need a set list for success onstage or in life. Collectively,
they enjoy "just hanging out together," according
to Wilson. He adds that the band's friendship and love for
playing music together is the key in keeping life on the road
and ministry from becoming ritualistic. And with the maturity
and honesty that comes with a seemingly endless tour itinerary
and a ever-changing range of life experiences, Polarboy returned
to the studio to commit their recent musings to their latest
recording "4008" a project that offers the listener
a full-plate of poetic introspection set to a sound that's
richer and more varied than their first effort. "Lower"
sets the tone with subtle vocals that gradually become more
intense as the song progresses into a reflection of human
weakness. The sense of despair demonstrated in the vocals
is captured to perfection by whimpering backing guitars that
echo the lyrical sentiments. "Night Drives," with
its almost bluesy-sounding quality, paints a journal-like
portrait of the joys of a sleepless night spent driving and
thinking while "Tried" is almost a "polar"
opposite - with it's happy guitar feel that has your feet
tapping along to the syncopated beat. And after the happy
sounds, yet another somber mood swing is captured with the
sullen style of "Nothing Left," a tune that could
almost serve as a modern-day Psalm in true David-like description
accompanied with simple instrumentation. "Weekend"
also succeeds in it's ability to evoke emotion with it's John
Cougar "Hurts So Good" opening guitar riff and sound
that leaves you with the impression that recording this tune
must have been a lot of fun too. The playful "we don't
take ourselves too seriously" manner continues with the
cleverly-penned "Joseph," as the band offers random
comments on the recording at its conclusion. These moments
of interaction are great additions by giving the listener
a look into the personalities of the people playing the music.
Hearing the next track, "Name," brings to mind the
brilliant pop perfection of the Wallflowers "Bringing
Down the Horse" album with its opening notes that progress
into a hooky anthem-like gem that's sure to garner serious
radio airplay.
Since Polarboy
doesn't venture into pop music territory very often, it's
pleasing to the ears when they take the occasional diversion.
"Fall" and "Bria" bring the album to a
close that way it began -- in a memorable fashion with an
abundance of unabashed emotion. This time the feelings are
conveyed with the added punctuation of melancholy piano tinkering
and haunting melodies that bring enjoyable diversity to Polarboy's
sophomore release - an essential quality in demonstrating
the knowledge of the fundamentals of rock-n-roll and introspection
that comes from thousands miles of traveling together.
 _.:Polarboy
Official Site
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