REVIEWS
OF "SPACE EXPANSES" BY
POLESTAR
Etherreal
Translated from original French Review
"It's been three and a half years since Boltfish helped us discover the melodic electronica of Polestar via an EP which included the sublime, splendid and especially memorable opening track Moonbounce. Following a 12" EP release last year, Jon Elliott now offers a full-length CD release. as a final test to see if this Englishman can confirm the hopes previously placed on him. Musically there are no surprises that: Boltfish and Polestar work well together in the same style as before with electronica that is at times more syncopated (Stellar Configuration), and at others more delicate (Polaris Theme). If I had to choose, it's this second vein that I prefer, capable of setting up a subtle combination of overall mood, gracious melody and quasi-robotic sounds allowing the combined result to avoid being bland. But the first style also holds a few very pretty moments, with the image of UFO' S Over The ISS. In every instance Jon Elliott permanently preserves an amusing lightness showing a true pleasure in composition. This is exemplified in the jumping pulse of Eva Dance or the layers of melodic joy in Watching The Aurora. So many satisfying elements in the collection of an artist who ultimately has the good taste to complete his album by offering Return To Sky, comprising the ideal of both electronic paths." |
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Bleep43
"Boltfish are one of those labels that threatens to release a truly great album at some point. With over 40 releases, their repertoire ranges from IDM to more experimental material, and in Jon Elliot’s new album, they may have found one that makes its mark on a wider radar.
Although derivative and indebted to the early 90’s sound of British electronica, “Space Expanses” is worth listening to because the tracks contained within have so many hooks. Apparently conceived with a nostalgic look at the future in mind brought on by listening to progressive rock, it’s an album full of soaring synths, electro-style beats and the odd Autechre-like nod to glitch, and whilst not pushing any boundaries it has at least 6 or 7 memorable tracks containing solid compositions.
From the Arovane-esque “Stellar Configuration” to the string-laden and quite gorgeous electro of “EVA Dance”, “Space Expanses” is a reflective and at times melancholic journey through musical nostalgia that had me reaching for my 7th Plain LPs. “Return to the Moon” and “Space Junk 1970” recall the halcyon days of early Autechre, and there’s a playfulness in the peripheral sounds he uses, from 8-bit computer games to more strung out glitch. Behind the sheen there’s not a great deal going on beneath emotively, but as a nostalgia trip both thematically and musically, “Space Expanses” is worth hunting down."
Crumbs In the Butter
"I can vividly remember as a kid in the 80's, running down to my local record shop to pick up the latest hip hop and electro compilations. Playing the "latest" arcade games, Out Run, Golden Axe and Dungeons and Dragons. The excitement of going to the swimming baths for the arcade games and afterwards, eating chips with lashings of salt and vinegar and having an overall feeling of things being electronically exciting. Despite the buzz of a change in the world, there was also a dark robotic cloud that hung over that time.
"We" were told robots "are taking over the world" and with a mind that could only interpret this as meaning that robots were about to murder and pillage the whole planet or at worst, make my parents jobless and I couldn't fight back on my Atari and I did try, honestly. Music was my only saviour and Polestar have re-ignited those memories…
The above nostalgic musings are what came to mind whilst listening to Polestar's first release on Boltfish Recordings, "Space Expanses."
Dreamy sci - fi lullabies, awakening senses that seemed retrospective are awakened and given new light and darkness and my, it's self gratifying to reminiscence about "the good days."
Complex beat patterns, twinkling synths, meteor showers of crackling effects - jumping from electro break-dance beats to glitch modernity make this an album that travels cosmoses, galaxies and brings you softly back down to earth.
The production is outstanding here. Rather than sticking to retro analogue techniques, Polestar's use of warm string pads and glitchy modern blip switches, bridge the gap between the early electro stabbings of Hashim's - Al-Naayfish and the current electronic shockwaves of Isan and Boards of Canada.
One for the old school electro heads and modern electronica lovers alike.
Polestar's electronic sound manipulations are fresh yet familiar and are on course to become another Boltfish Recordings classic."
8/10
Smallfish
"Boltfish give us another absolutely superb album here, this time from Polestar. Right from the off it's got me with a short intro track giving you a suitable insight into what's about to come. Clicks, glitches and some delicious sounds give way to something that sounds like a rocket taking off before leading into the second cut. From there some absolutely wonderful arpeggios (with a hint of videogame-ness about them I might add) lead into a scrunchy, hi-tech electronica rhythm with some deft programming and a beautifully melodic sound. The album as a whole has such a gorgeous sense of pace and musicality that I think fans of the label are going to absolutely adore it. Whilst it has contemporary electronica at its heart there are nods to (once again) old school videogame soundtracks as well as the occasional foray into Italo / Vangelis-esque basslines and synth workouts. All told it's a bit of a smasher and comes as a must-have for people who dig the Boltfish sound. As always, there are only limited copies, so best get in there quick sharp!" |
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Leonard's Lair
"Polestar’s ‘Camplex’ EP was the first CD I had the chance to review from Boltfish Recordings. Since then it’s been my pleasure to write about a great number of further releases from this frequently entertaining label. It’s encouraging to see how Polestar’s Jon Elliott has grown as an artist as well. ‘Space Expanses’ is inspired by the ambitious (and frankly daunting) idea of merging outer solar system exploration with progressive rock.
‘Welcome To Space’ says it all. Though it’s partly filled with glitchy electronics, the clean retro-futurist melody conveys a nostalgic look at other worlds from a time when Star Trek was the nearest we would get to it. Thus the album continues in endearing form: never threatening to set a new musical agenda but always eager to please with another sweet tune. In fact, some of the tracks seem more suited to computer games rather than soundtrack work.
Those looking for a more edifying listening experience should find ‘Polaris Theme’ and ‘EVA Dance’ far more enlightening. Beyond the R2D2 bleeps and further glitches, the mood is lonely and melancholic. Meanwhile, ‘Return To The Moon’ assembles several layers of digital tricks into a haunting, lovely centrepiece and ‘Space Junk 1970′ possesses a peculiarly faraway beauty.
Even if it does cast a pale shadow compared to Avrocar’s stunning space-themed album from this year, ‘Space Expanses’ should be judged in its own right for taking a naive, straightforward and tuneful approach to exploring unchartered territory. It’s a little superficial but enjoyable nonetheless."
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