Pöls

Reviews

Pöls A Nuestrxs Amigxs LP

Dang, duder! Wowzers. Driving, powerful sing-along verses and choruses bring this PÖLS LP fully to life. Clara’s vocals are similar to DISCOUNT and the LIPPIES while bringing in her own tone and melody. Her lyrics range from purely exposed and personal to broader themes (the neighborhood disappearing to chain stores, war-torn streets, refugee displacement, the positive and profound impact of friends and community). One thing that puts this a cut above is the occasionally graveled vocals of bassist Alex, punching in to level-up the earnest message PÖLS are bringing on A Nuestrxs Amigxs. This record is not a typical melodic pop punk placeholder that sits in the stratosphere waiting for you to listen to it. This record will find its way to you, move you, and make you feel something. I totally lucked out in getting this to review. My wholehearted thanks to the assignment desk for this one.

Pöls Agrieta el Asfalto LP

Love it when bands like Madrid’s PÖLS get me to listen to styles I haven’t been exposed to or cared about in decades, such as melodic hardcore. Along with Barcelona’s ACCIDENTE, this band has taken that suburban sound and infused it with themes of anarchism, animal rights, ecology, and self-empowerment. And they do it by mixing up youth crew energy, heavy breakdowns, lots of “wooaahs,” and even rap. The contrasting relationship between the girl and boy voices keeps you interested for the whole record. They also feel free to experiment with flamenco-ish ending in “Barcelona” and rap with the last song “Pöls.” Intense energy and creative songwriting. Get it on vinyl.