Polystar Finished Archenemy Record Company Posted: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 By: Ilker Yucel Bouncy disco styling mixed with light vocals and melodies make for an enjoyable combination. One can imagine that it must be becoming increasingly difficult for any band in the realms of synthpop and electro-pop to make any sort of dent in the hearts and minds of music lovers. With so much schlock and unoriginality running rampant, yet also garnering all the accolades, it soon falls on the artists’ own sense of musicianship and songwriting to attract an audience. Does it always work? No, but credit must be given to those groups who make an effort. Boston’s Polystar are such a group, as their debut album, titled Finished, proves. Full of bouncy dance rhythms, funky bass and guitar, and synthesizers that recall the new wave era of the early ‘80s, Polystar show a distinct retro sensibility, but augmented with modern production and light vocal melodies and harmonies that are just too damn catchy. This is especially evident on tracks like “You Turn Me On,” “Hyperspace,” and “Face the Rain,” all of which would’ve filled the dance floors of the late ‘70s disco scene or the early ‘80s new romantic scene. “In the Dark” could easily be one of Depeche Mode’s later tracks, while “Upside Down” somehow evokes Roy Orbison with its Mariachi-style drums and strings; Polystar definitely get points for variety. “Bluegrass” is anything but, though it is a sweet ballad with its sweeping pads and percolating guitar arpeggios, and “Lonely Girl” is a joy with some classic Fender Rhodes piano work and a simple yet enticing melody. The second to last track, “Window to Look Out Of” is perhaps the most sonically pleasing song on Finished, with some intriguing vocal effects soaring over a dreamy waltz of light guitars and synthesizers, making a sweet soundtrack to a dreamlike state. All in all, Finished is an excellent debut from a band that knows how to make good music. Indeed, they wear a diverse range of influences on their sleeves, which makes for a sometimes offbeat, but always interesting and ultimately satisfying listen. If Polystar can find a way to push forward without reaching for the past so much, then they could very well be offering some of the best new music yet to come.

I've known these boys since before the internet was invented. Their debut album has been a long time coming, but they've done it right. The songs are strong, the production is slick and professional. Avoiding current trends and staying faithful to their instincts, Polystar have created an album that will age well. I look forward to hearing their next effort. RATING: 3.5 STARS

Listening now on a pair of sennheiser hd 280, tried the car system, home studio, laptop, boombox,Ipod, and home theater, and nothing can make this production sound bad. a tough as nails carving of rough n ready rabble rousers into the rock of the techno alternative melting pot of a modern and retro soundtrack hybrid anyone can groove to. got to say lonely girl is a bit pouty and i feel uncomfortable listening to it alone, but upsidedown takes me into my swerve with the first measue, makes me want to smile with a john kerry smerk and walk with a big stick tequila swagger, singing along the whole while.

I think this cd is very good. Very catchy songs and interesting lyrics make me want to listen again and again! I can't wait for the new album (with Roger from the cure! I'm so excited) and I hope you guys get the chance to come to Chicago! Please!