|
"Polar Fleet" Operator: Generator |
|
While cranking up the first tune, "Equinox Planetarium," my eyes became fixated on the lyrics to what I originally thought was the opening track, "Arctic Quest," and while I can't make sense of the title in relation to the words, it's pretty deep… not to mention awfully pessimistic! There's an obvious slant there in what I would suggest to be reverse psychology to counteract the ultimate in defeatism… but then again to try to analyze things is a little beyond my scope of knowledge. And so "Polar Fleet," a raging, rumbling, rolling, tumbling swill of heavy Rock and doom-flavored bombast compliments of a Northern Californian quartet known as Operator: Generator. An interesting title to go with an interesting if not always exciting sound. Built greatly on the meteoric principles firmly established by the likes of Kyuss, High On Fire or the late great Electric Wizard… wait, they're still around. Okay it only seems like they've been together since the original Woodstock; Well O.G. launches themselves full speed into the stratospheric boundaries of universal amphi-Rock with a loud bang! Of the eight tunes, nothing stands out too far above the others except for maybe "Atmospheric Insect / The Launch," which I'd dare say could be a lead single candidate with its trippy verses and catchy arrangements playfully inundated around a solid dose of thunder. The songs for the most part are simple and concise, which is refreshing considering how many from this type of environment quickly get lost in their own muddled confusion leaving you wondering how much further you have to go before catching a glimpse of sunlight. "Arctic Quest" is another standout moment here, utilizing some killer riffing and further uptempo quality for one of the more energized displays and of course, going completely against the textual fallacy mentioned earlier. "Polar Fleet" features mind numbing lyrical agents shot through icy veins and sends the listener into convulsive shivers as they embark on this mysterious and sometimes flighty journey through the midwinter's chill… Released by Man's Ruin Records Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu] P.O. Box 20252
|