Polestar, End of an Era [Boltfish Recordings – BOLTDIGI017, 2010]
August 5th, 2011
No comments
Reportedly ‘End of an Era’ is Jon Elliott last release using the name Polestar and given that his first release ‘Camplex EP’ on Boltfish Recordings was reviewed in 2005.
It now only seems as fitting as it is sad that Polestar’s last release also is a Boltfish one. At the time of his debut release I wrote the following among other things:
‘The flawless programming of beats, lush sounds, heaps of that all important bass and the overall warmth characterising this particular label’s sound is demonstrated to the fullest by Polestar on this his four-track debut release.’
The exact same thing could be said of the six tracks on ‘End of an Era’ that represents the closing chapter of the musical acquaintance that has been: Polestar.
“Camplex EP” a lovely piece of music by Polestar soon to be released (Mar 2005) on the unstoppable Boltfish label. The flawless programming of beats, lush sounds, heaps of that all important bass and the overall warmth characterising this particular label’s sound is demonstrated to the fullest by Polestar on this his four-track debut release. The 1st track “Moonbounce” immediately sets the standard with compelling forward movement and melody. The 2nd track “8b12″ got crisp beats, laid on a foundation consisting of deep bass and flowing washes of synthetic sounds. The slightly offbeat setting adds to the groove. Simply lovely! The 3rd track “A poke in the eye” is starting with strong melody and some beats sprinkled on top, the track then evolves as more elements are added like a processed choir, setting the background. And a beautiful sadness emanates from “A poke in the eye” and it’s a quite beautiful sadness at that, oh thou melancholy. The aptly titled “This field of beats” is the 4th track and it concludes the EP. It’s a treat, somewhat nostalgic sounding, but not in any alarming way, quite the contrary. With solid electroisch beats accompanied by retrofitted lightweight bassline and great atmospheric soundscapes all progressing hand-in-hand in a very pleasant way. In likeness with “Slow Poke” the “Camplex EP” is also fitted with Boltfish’s new thick soft CD-packaging. This debut from Polestar is promising to say the least and Polestar fits the Boltfish roster like a snug driving glove.