Poliça ‘Shulamith’ – ALBUM REVIEW

The follow up to the debut, 2012 release, ‘Give You The Ghost’ is upon us barely a year after release. Shulamith hits the shelves’ this week with much anticipation surrounding the record. Championed by Jay-Z, Polica went from mild obscurity to one of the underground successes of 2012.

Opening track ‘Chain My Name’ opens the album and lays out from the offset what it has to offer. Melodic vocals, 80s inspired synths and drum loops that will have you toe tapping from the start. It fits in perfectly with the current offering that pop bands are bringing to the table. This will only bolster the current sound that 2013 will be known for along with acts such as Haim.

The second track on the album, ‘Smug’, brings a more thoughtful and darker edge to the sound. Rolling highs, dark pads and thunderous atmosphere makes this a stand out on the album. The record takes a trippier, spaced out, turn midway through with offerings such as ‘Warrior Lord’, ‘Very Cruel’ and ‘Spilling Lines’. The latter of the three sounding like it could easily soundtrack an alien invasion. The layered synths, sound effects and pads are a continuing theme throughout the album which sometimes over shadows the vocals and the crafted lyrics of lead singer Channy Leaneagh. The lyrics are quite often inaudible leaving very little in the way of a sing-a-long. The more the album goes on the more formulaic and unoriginal it becomes.

All in all this is a good album however it does feel somewhat lukewarm in the wake of having to follow the high standards of their debut. With acts, previously mentioned, such as Haim hot on the tails of Polica you feel this could have been a little more original in order to raise the bar and not simply follow it. 

Gary Byfield

Gary Byfield

London based Manc wannabe. Oasis sparked the fire and it hasn't stopped burning since. Used to DJ house and techno but now on the London gig scene.