For whatever reason, German bands have created an impressive niche in electronic rock. The Notwist and a whole slew of acts on the Morr label have pushed the technological side of guitar rock well beyond bedroom tinkering into a savvy artform. Polarkreis 18 continue that new tradition with their self-titled release, employing eccentric drumming, orchestral arrangements, and electronic effects on top of strategically nimble guitars. The band takes the scenic route on their walk through the forest, going out of their way for elaborate views and making it a very attractive journey.
Throughout Polarkreis 18 are songs that have several elements blending together, even at the most minimal. The most utilized of these is the airy orchestration, as it finds its way in nearly every tune. For example, "Stellaris" soars on the flight of the violins rolling up, down, and around in various movements. These strings aren't the star, however. Integration of all the instruments works well enough that each one has equal weight. "Somedays Sundays" skates along on deft drumming and pinpoint electronics before shifting up into a wavy guitar gear and drastic vocals. "Crystal Lake" combines them all into a polarizing tech-rock jam. There's an imaginative, yet well-balanced blend in the entire album.
Much like on the album cover, there's a coldness to the music, which keeps it serious and slightly reserved. The highest moments aim towards desperation, not ecstasy. There's a tone of up-tempo melancholy that keeps the album's variations reigned in, making it that much more intruiging. Where IDM meets rock is somewhere in Europe, and Polarkreis 18 are as close to it as anyone.
