Album Review #4

Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
genre: indie/post-hardcore
released: Sep. 8 2009
label: Bridge Nine Records

After bursting onto the scene with their highly popular debut ep "The Redder, The Better", Polar Bear Club has been both very popular and successful. Their infectious sound has gotten them a record deal with Bridge Nine Records, as well as tours with some of today's biggest bands. I have yet to see this band live, but I'm sure if their live show is anything like the albums they put out, it's money. After their debut album "Sometimes Things Just Disappear", B9 wrapped this NY-based five-piece and the rest is history. A solid sophomore album, "Chasing Hamburg" is another solid release on the B9 discography.

Right away, the tone is set for the album with the upbeat and heavy "See the Wind". The raspy vocals accompany the melodic, yet quicker tempo and already the differences from their previous work is evident. "Living Saints" is another quick-paced head banger that shows how musically talented the band has gotten in their short time together. The next track, "Boxes" is very catchy with it's guitar hooks and poppy drums. The vocals are much more melodic than the previous two tracks and sets the stage for a sing-a-long with its chorus. "Take Me to the Town" keeps on rolling with a more indie feel to it, a slower pace and softer vocals throughout. Polar Bear Club really does an excellent job is dipping their artistic brush into many different genres on the album, like with "Drifting Thing". The song sounds like a Gaslight Anthem or Hold Steady track, with its powerful lyrics and chugging background guitars.

"Light of Local Eyes" picks that faster pace back up, with a poppy beat mixed over harmonic vocals and catchy guitar riffs. Another great chorus is hidden here and is sure to usher in a newer fan base, like many of the gems on this album. The next few songs don't have the same feel to me, where "Song to Persona" is a slower song that culminates in a lackluster breakdown. "The Old Fisher Burial" is a decent track, but nothing really sticks out on this song to set it apart. Granted, the song is still catchy and could grow on the listener. Next, "One Hit Back" keeps with the theme of poppy drums and melodic guitars backing the catchy chorus and lyrical prowess on the track. Lastly, the title track closes the album out on a good note, giving us a lyrically-driven song that truly seems like it came from the heart. Overall, a very well written and well produced album.

The sound on this album is clearly different than the debut, with its faster pace and more melodic instrumentals. I wouldn't say I like the new album more or less, but it certainly does hold a special place with me. It is one of the better albums put out in 2009 and is sure to be on many end-of-the-year lists, much like their previous works. Polar Bear Club is clearly influenced by older bands while mixing in a new sound on this album, and they write some of the best choruses in music today. Every song has parts to sing along with and all the guitars make you really get into the music. I can only say that I am more than excited for the next Polar Bear Club album after this.


Favorite tracks: Living Saints, Boxes, Light of Local Eyes

For fans of: Hot Water Music, older Weezer, the Weakerthans

Polar Bear Club's myspace