Artist Profile - Polygrains
I was introduced to Polygrains’ music while on the road, tour managing DFA act (and fellow LTM Contributor) Larry Gus. I think we were driving to pick up a rented floor tom in Portland, Oregon, and Larry was “DJing” on the car stereo. I won’t lie and say I remember specifically how Larry introduced him, but it definitely involved the word ‘fuck’ and the phrases ‘one of my biggest inspirations’. Polygrains is the electronic project from the eclectic London-based Greek musician Vasilis Moschas, the latest product of the intersection of decades of equal study and creation.
2016 saw the release of Pleasure Coma, a brilliant record of 4/4 synthpop jams. Lead single Salome hits the ground running - the track ticking and pulsing along, lead by a snappy snare drum. The vocals and related production reminds me of The Hurting by Tears For Fears - animated but mournful, detached but soulful - providing a great counterpoint to the peppy keyboard and kazoo vamps. Many records with similar sonic references points end up sounding dour and monotonous, but Polygrains’ compositions are spirited and lively, with constant little sonic flourishes and surprises.
Oceans and Canyons by Polygrains
Oceans and Canyons is a great example of the mission stated in the album’s press release - “...formally based on repetitive patterns, 4/4 rhythms, kick and snare, almost all songs around 116-120 BPM, double the heartbeat, evoking a sense of arousal and excitement, a pleasure coma.” Electro bass and filtered percussion are the lines on the road, with layers of keyboard lines and analog hiss swerving in and out - cosmic but clear-headed, referential but not slavishly retro. There has always been a vibrant dialog between Europe’s synthpop and American house and techno music, encompassing the spectrum between Cybotron and Daft Punk (and dozens of other data points) - and this is an excellent record in this tradition. Pleasure Coma is available now on Bandcamp.
Pleasure Coma by Polygrains
When asked what he is planning to get up to in 2017, Polygrains stated, “My goal for this year is to stop waking at 6AM against my will.” R.A.W. by Polygrains is now streaming on the Lives Through Magic Bandcamp.
R.A.W. by Polygrains
