{"id":71846,"date":"2022-06-09T14:10:58","date_gmt":"2022-06-09T18:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panm360.com\/?post_type=records&p=71846"},"modified":"2022-06-12T14:09:51","modified_gmt":"2022-06-12T18:09:51","slug":"madness-polica","status":"publish","type":"records","link":"https:\/\/panm360.com\/en\/records\/madness-polica\/","title":{"rendered":"POLI\u00c7A – Madness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Madness<\/em>, the fifth studio album by Minneapolis dream-pop sensation POLI\u00c7A, is finally here\u2014and you\u2019ve probably never heard anything like it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Released under Memphis Industries, Madness <\/em>is the highly-anticipated final chapter of POLI\u00c7A\u2019s current musical era. Combining techno-style drums, unorthodox synth arrangements, and Channy Leaneagh\u2019s soaring vocals, Madness<\/em> creates a cohesive aesthetic that can only be described as futuristic gloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madness<\/em>\u2019 triumphs <\/em>are the arrangement and production throughout its 32 minutes. POLI\u00c7A makes use of an \u2018anthropomorphic production tool,\u2019 called \u201cAllOvers(c)\u201d for this project, adding an interesting sonic quality to many of the tracks. Synthscapes and percussion blend in unpredictable ways to create an ethereal, dreamlike sensation, helped greatly by Ryan Olson\u2019s outstanding production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The title track \u201cMadness\u201d is a standout, with a crushingly sad, yet gorgeous string section offering a rare moment of tangible musicality\u2014elevating the track into a place of visceral emotion, despite the minimalist arrangement backing it. The following track, \u201cBlood,\u201d is probably Madness\u2019<\/em> most danceable number, thanks largely to Chris Bierden\u2019s excellent bassline, anchoring the airy mix to a grounded rhythm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the album is a smooth listen, ideal for grey days and rainy evenings at home, it feels as though it never reaches its full potential. You\u2019d be forgiven for not noticing when Madness<\/em> is over, as it finishes without much fanfare or finality. Even songs that do reach a musical climax, such as \u201cViolence,\u201d are cut off before they can satisfy, leaving a longing for something more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s fair to say that Madness<\/em> isn\u2019t overly concerned with being accessible or commercially viable. Some of its choices won\u2019t be palatable for all listeners, but at no point do they feel unintentional. For an unflinching, flawed, yet beautiful project that blends electronic, dream pop, and R&B, POLI\u00c7A\u2019s Madness<\/em> shouldn\u2019t be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n