Eletronica indie with a classical spin
Released June 3rd, 2022, the Minneapolis-based synth band POLIÇA released 7 new statement pieces on their brand new album Madness. With just over ten years since the band’s formation back in 2011, a lot has changed in the indie-electronica field. Yet, this newest addition to the group’s discography stands out from their past releases. The album itself contains a ton of visual and lyrical streamlining, from the album cover art being distorted and blurred to the singular and simplistic title names of each of the tracks. This distorted and misshapen visual is able to transfer over effectively– adding to the mysterious and alluring mood that is given by the tracks.
One track that immediately stands out from the rest is “Away.” Although all tracks feature rhythmic and echoey electronica synth, this song in particular takes a spin by implementing more rests and time for the instruments to echo. These moments of silence help counteract the slower and more steady rhythmic patterns that are present throughout the rest of the song. The rhythmic respite really helps the crescendos during the chorus stand out more as they increase in intensity within each build-up. The use of dynamic contrast and rests also makes the listener hang on to every note. Listening with earbuds helps extend this feature of the mixing as well. With the echoing almost creating sort of a “wail” in certain moments of the song; the track is able to effectively pull on the heartstrings of the pain of losing someone.
Another track that uses its instrumentation extremely well is title track “Madness.” Similar techniques are used in this song that “Away” utilizes, especially in regards to the use of echo and negative space. The tone of this song is more somber than the others, and to help bring out these more melancholy emotions, the last minute of the song features a violin solo.
There are elements of string instruments in the background of a few of their other tracks, such as “Blood” and “Violence,” but specifically in “Madness” is where the use of strings along with the electronica elements really thrives. By contrasting the use of modern electronic elements and glitchy rhythmic accents with the classical timbre of the violin, POLIÇA has mastered how to merge two dramatically different genres in their elements in ways that not many artists right now are able to master.
With over 10 years in the industry, it is fair to say that POLIÇA’s new release Madness proves the group is nowhere close to slowing down. With the unique merging of genres and timbres, the group creates sounds and instill emotions in their listeners that not many bands in the genre are able to pull off. With their music continuing to evolve during the times, it is clear that the group will continue to innovate to create one-of-a-kind music for the genre.
Leave a Comment