Search - Polvo :: Celebrate the New Dark Age

One of the Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time

12/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a pity that the success of "grunge" bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam overshadowed the incredible goldmine of "indie" guitar rock available in the first half of the nineties. For those in "the know", bands like Pavement, Sebadoh, Trumans Water, Guided by Voices and Polvo fired glorious shots of fuzzed-out guitar innovation to the deaf masses. Perhaps it is for the best that radio and MTV have overlooked this mini-rennaissance. In twenty years time, everyone will claim to have owned the likes of Polvo's masterpiece, "Celebrate the New Dark Age". The key here is solid songwriting laced with the most dazzling and moving guitar hooks ever to grace a rock album. The guitar interplay is both fierce and beautiful. What makes this album so special is the definite Eastern influence in the melodies. Bowie is a master of the whammy bar and slide. The album opens with a blast; Fractured Like Chandeliers showcases the frenetic and glorious alternate tuned strumming and picking. City Spirit is one of the most haunting songs they have ever written. Tragic Carpet Ride is a dense tremolo-laced psychedelic masterpiece. For my money the standout track, is a short piece called Solitary Set. This song will bring tears to your eyes; it's that pretty. It's right up there with Dinosaur Jr's Little Fury Things. If one aspect must be criticized, it is the lyrics; but, who cares when Bowie sings the melodies with such emotion."

Like Picasso compared to Rockwell.

evohnav | Superior, WI United States | 11/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my personal favorite from the band, especially "Fractured." I bought this album on a whim at a used record store some years back and have been a huge fan ever since. These guys, without a doubt, restructure the language of music! I strongly urge anyone looking for a way to break from the humdrum of corporate "alternative" homogeny to listen to Polvo and then try to go back. You will never look at music the same way again."

Simply the Best

Anthony Kroposky | Middlesex, NJ USA | 07/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you prefer safe pop, stay away. This music might hurt you. If you like you music adventurous, welcome home. My personal favorite band. No one does it for me like these guys do. Their music is interesting, creative and most of all HUGELY UNDER APPRECIATED. These guys simply elevated rock to a creative level that just hasn't been matched. And this is arguably one of their greatest records. A true pinnacle of rock evolution. You'll be sorely, sorely missed guy's :-("