Polarheart - Polarheart

Polarheart
Polarheart
2016
Spotify

Formed in Sydney around 2013 this Australian duo have released their first self-titled EP full of rich dreamy soundscapes. With song titles like "Dystopia" and "Universe" you would think there was the potential for this record to be more high-minded than it ought to be, but after listening that simply isn't the case. The songs are titled as they are because that is the emotion that they convey. When you listen to "Dystopia" you can see and feel the image that Polarheart are trying to convey. This kind of electronic, indie, boogie music is having a bit of a moment with bands like Cannons and Yumi Zouma blazing the trail. What is disappointing about a lot of soundscape music is it forgets to have any kind of groove, but Polarheart solve that problem by bringing forward really lush tracks but never sacrificing the beat. Mary Rose's breathy vocals fit just perfect with this sound. She perhaps does not have the most classically beautiful or strong voice, but she has found the perfect outlet for it over Chris Chidiac's production. Australian Electronic music with Flume, Alison Wonderland and others seems to take more risks, break down barriers between genre to bring about some really great stuff and Polarheart continue that tradition just in a very different way.

"Forward" would work as one of these female empowerment anthems, and probably better than a lot of them out there but it still keeps this indie cred which doesn't allow it to slide into the pop realm. The opening track "Dystopia" which was previously a single is probably the best here but the rest of the record does give it a bit of a run for it's money. The music swirls and waves throughout the album keeping you on this constant journey from start to finish. It is hard to believe these two have only been doing this for three years, because their restraint and patience is that of seasoned veterans. At only seven tracks Polarheart is just a taste, but it is one that should give you high hopes of the things coming from Polarheart in the future. Don't let this one pass you by, you'll regret it.

8.2 out of 10