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9 out of 10
Hailing from the Rochester/Syracuse area of New York, Polar Bear Club is one of the most exciting new bands I have heard in quite some time. Red Leader Records originally released their debut album 'Sometimes Things Just Disappear' in early 2008. As of this year the band signed to Bridge 9 Records, the label will re-release 'Sometimes Things Just Disappear' on gatefold vinyl.
Polar Bear Club is quite possibly the best post-hardcore band I have heard since Hot Water Music, and the band manages to strike a good balance between the rougher and more melodic moments throughout the album. Track two 'Hollow Place' just demonstrates the latter, showing off the great vocals of Jimmy Stadt, with lyrics like "It’s hard to know where we should go, when home’s too far away and "here" is a hollow place where people come to softly hum the songs that scare you most, believe me I’m scared enough." This demonstrate a good grasp of writing strong lyrics and vocal delivery to hook in the most casual of listeners.
Other songs that truly stand out on first listen are 'Our Ballads', 'Another Night in the Rock' and 'Tried'. The final song of the album 'Convinced I'm Wrong' takes a softer approach to most of the other tracks on the album, with softly strummed chords and softly sung vocals to match. However, the song also shows the more gravelly and passionate vocals sung with a lot of conviction.
'Sometimes Things Just Disappear' clocks in at just under forty minutes and with only ten tracks to the album nothing feels very filler or out of place. Perhaps testament to the great musicianship of this band, for a band that has only been around since 2005 the level of maturity musically and lyrically is truly something to behold. Many bands would hope and pray for a debut album as solid and listenable as this album; even if you do not find much on first listen, I implore you to give this album several listens because of the sheer strength of this album.
The album is a clear statement of intent from a young band that don't fear to mix around their sound, perhaps the best album I heard in all of 2008, Polar Bear Club are destined for great things and with a new album slated for 2009; be excited.
Listen: www.myspace.com/polarbearclub
Tracklist:
1. Eat Dinner, Bury the Dog, and Run
2. Hollow Place
3. Bug Parade
4. Another Night in the Rock
5. Burned Out in a Jar
6. As ’twere the Mirror
7. Tried
8. Our Ballads
9. Heart Attacks at Thirty
10. Convince Me I’m Wrong
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