Polaris - Home

DRIFTING TO SLEEP, NURSERY MOBILE CHIMING ABOVE

Two members compose Polaris, yet their resonance fills a world. This, accomplished primarily by bassist - and former Fishmans member - Yuzuru Kashiwabara, using reverb, multi-layering, soft pedals, and the outstretched hum of hypnotism. On many occasions, Home carries with it the ethereal weight of Long Season, as trailing ideas unfurl over rhythms that withstand an eternity. Four songs eclipse the ten-minute mark, with some, like 'Slow Motion' and 'Kisetu,' finding direct companionship with Fishmans' noted work, able to soar through the clouds with the fluidity of an effervescent spirit. Don't conflate this with straying Jam Band material though, as the band never takes a mesmeric pattern for granted, layering a secondary, Pop-centric structure atop Kashiwabara's foundation. This is where we find vocalist Yusuke Oya, who bears a passing resemblance to Shinji Sato, through his frail quiver and short, oftentimes one-syllabic verse framework. Standout 'Hikari To Kage' and 'Ai No Te No Naka Ni' are examples of such calm tranquility and warmhearted modesty.

In a strange sense, Home comes across as elaborate lullaby music; simple and impossibly-gentle. There's really only one moment that indulges in the senses too long, and that's the Singer/Songwriter crawl of 'You Are My Song.' It veers towards Slowcore, rife with cheesy romanticism, but thankfully doesn't overstay its welcome. With percussion back at the helm, the rest of Home glides by effortlessly, transitioning with aplomb between grand spectacles using concise interludes such as 'Spin' and 6:37 A.M.' There's a caring, communal spirit shared by Polaris on their debut, and one that represents Japanese culture quite nicely.