Poliça
BY BURAK ŞAHİN (IR/IV)
burak_s@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
I'm not usually fascinated right away by a track or a band; it takes time for me to like something by listening to it again and again. But I'd like to mention a band that was an exception to this, adding me to their fans immediately. This magical band, called Poliça, is from Minneapolis in the US. The group is the latest project of Ryan Toolson, known from Gayngs. Although Gayngs didn't make a real impact, Poliça -- whose name means "urgent action" in Polish -- is doing just that.
If you like female vocalists, Channy Leaneagh is likely to captivate you. It seems like even rapper Jay-Z, who posted "Lay Your Cards Out" to his blog, was taken by the band. Bon Iver's frontman, Justin Vernon, is another fan, saying "I've been listening to this band Poliça from Minneapolis a lot lately. They're the best band I've ever heard." The reason both a rapper and an indie rock man seem to love them might be the richness of their sound. The guys from Minneapolis mix alternative pop, electronic, dubstep and R&B into one and create a sound as interesting as it is brilliant.
Their first album, "Give You the Ghost," was just released. It has 11 tracks, which include collaboration with Mike Noyce. Music authorities have had difficulty defining the album because it has many unique elements. The definition of the sound, the presence of two drummers on the tracks and the attitude of Channy Leaneagh, who doesn't seek perfection and isn't afraid of making mistakes, are some of them. Some tracks sound like trip-hop, while others have emotional melodies with killer lyrics.
"Poliça does not create a passive listen with 'Give You the Ghost.' Their involving music forces you to pay attention to not only every beat, but the transition between them. The trippy repetitions never seem to become entangled in each other throughout the course of the album. From start to finish, the tracks pump your ears full of electric charm and solid energy. There is nothing predictable to be found here," was said in a review of the album I totally agree with.
Although I recommend the whole album, "Wandering Star" has been my favorite track lately. Check out the song's dark lyrics: "When the day is done / and I lay me down / The sheets are cold / and your space is dark / and I hear you whisper something sweet / but it doesn't move any nerves in me / After all, I'm married to the wandering star / and I've kissed the moon / It was full when I fell in love with thee / but now the world turns without me."
2012 BRIT AWARDS
The Brit Awards ceremony was held last week, and Adele swept the awards, as she did at the Grammys. The most interesting moment of the night came when her "Album of the Year" award acceptance speech was cut because the time was limited and Blur was going to take the stage. After being snubbed like this, Adele responded by showing her middle finger while onstage, and the night ended with the performance by Blur, whom we've missed seeing for a while.
British Female Solo Artist: Adele
International Male Solo Artist: Bruno Mars
Critics' Choice: Emeli Sande
Best British Single: One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful
International Female Solo Artist: Rihanna
British Male Solo Artist: Ed Sheeran
British Group: Coldplay
Best International Group: Foo Fighters
British Breakthrough Act: Ed Sheeran
International Breakthrough Act: Lana Del Rey
Outstanding Contribution To Music: Blur
British Album of the Year: Adele