Polar War CD impresses

By Jeremy Gatlin

Special to the Johnsonian

Every once and a while, a band comes along and surprises listeners with its amazing talent that seems to be beyond the band members’ years.

Polar War is that band.

Band members Will Thompson, vocals and organ; Andy Shaffer, guitar and background vocals; Michael Linog, bass and background vocals; and Dave Rich, drums, went to New Windsor, N.Y., during the summer.

The band recorded its first full-length album, “Gun,” at Nada Recording Studio.

The band also recently won “Scene S.C’s Next Big Thing” competition.

Any skeptic might expect the production values of an indie album by a group of college students to lack a professional sound. 

However, doubters’ minds will be changed once they have a listen to the new CD.

The first track, called “Intro,” comes in loud and clear with the instruments playing slowly until they build to anthem-like heights with the band members singing passionately, “Follow me, leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

It is evident the members of Polar War know how to craft songs that are catchy, diverse and don’t run together.  

The songs are unified enough that they create a solid album.

   All the songs are unique in their own way, showcasing the band’s ability to write mature lyrics.

 The dynamic songs make you think are so hauntingly beautiful they will play in your head for days.

For example, “Mother” is an acoustic ballad that allows the tender side of Thompson’s vocals to shine as he croons, “Everyone gathers round to pay respects, but it’s still just you and my ghost.”

I think the best track on the album is “Gun Named Kindness,” which displays the heavier side of the band.  

The song starts off moody with guitar effects, a trippy drum beat and Thompson crooning before turning into an assault of crunching guitars, rollicking drums and Thompson screaming at the top of his lungs.

South Carolina has been known to crank out some really talented artists, such as Emery, Hootie and the Blowfish and Edwin McCain.

Polar War could be similar to one of these performers.

To get a copy of Polar War’s album, go to one of their shows.  Go to www.myspace.com/polarwar for tour date information.