After releasing their solid debut Give You The Ghost only last year, Minneapolis’ Poliça have followed up with Shulamith.
While it’s in some ways an on-trend electronic and R&B album, the group have chosen to emphasise their differences – having a live bass player and (two) drummers – on their sophomore album.
Even in the more melancholic moments – of which there are quite a few – the group’s democratic sound is lent a muscular, physical and danceable quality.
Singer Channy Leaneagh’s voice, while extremely soulful, is also heavily processed. Sounding a bit like Cat Power crossed with The Knife, it’s this mesmerising technique that ties together all the sounds on the album.
The propulsive ‘Chain My Name’ opens the album, seemingly to demonstrate just how much tighter and lusher the band have become. Leaneagh sounds all at once powerful, sympathetic and melancholic.
The album also explores experimental territory with the aptly titled ‘Very Cruel’, essentially built up from a two-note synth line into something harsher and more abrasive.
Perhaps the album’s high point is the Justin Vernon-featuring ‘Tiff’. It’s a beautiful chilled-out R&B track built on interchanging vocals, punctuated with huge-sounding, heavily reverbed drums. The track’s chorus absolutely sparkles and demonstrates the group’s real songwriting skills.
Love Electronic?
Get the latest Electronic news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
On Shulamith, the band has taken what was interesting about their debut and improved on it in every way. It’s a catchy, deeply satisfying follow-up that should please old and new fans alike.
