Review of Frankpollis EP
When I was first told I needed to write an article this week, I immediately thought of reviewing Cut Copy's new album In Ghost Colours, but I'm sure most people know of my undying obsession with the group from Australia and are probably hoping I could get off their high cloud of awesome-ness. Well, I'll take the stairway down just for the next hour or two or 10, to review Frankpollis' debut EP.
This group of eighteen to twenty-something resident junkies from Brooklyn have recently released an online, self-titled six song EP. In the band's early beginnings, people migrated to Frankpollis only to be a part of the "coolness" of seeing a band with Jackson Pollis as their drummer, but the EP erases any doubt of a gimmicky existence for the group. What surprises even me is how different Frankpollis sounds from anything I listen to, and how into it I am. If I was required to pick out a song that I disliked off the EP, I couldn’t. Frankpollis has created a sound so chill but rhythmically intense at the same time, that it's so undeniably new.
Listening to standout tracks like the closer “Sacred Soil/Sacred Heart” could make anyone want to be a part of the head-bobbing at Frankpollis' next show. The song's impressive two minute opening builds upon a calculated, half-time display of strings, echoing guitars and steady bass lines, eventually breaking into an up tempo drum beat poised to prove itself. “Expectations” and “Malk” are also among my top picks.
Frankpollis' sound has staying power. Recently returning from a tour in Japan, the guys played a few shows, toured ancient Tokyo landmarks with the photos to prove it (see Myspace), captured hundreds of babes hearts, and of course attempted to befriend Godzilla himself. To be frank, Frankpollis might’ve created something just too good.
Frankpollis in the new June issue of NYLON - Japan
Frankpollis in the new June issue of RUSSH - JAPAN
FRANKPOLLIS LIVE AT APPLE (SHIBUYA, TOKYO)
SPIN.COM Live Review
"Braving chilly temperatures, rockers flocked to New York City's Lower East Side venue Pianos last night for a set of atmospheric and shoegazey pop by Brooklyn trio Frankpollis. Amidst an impressive set of ethereal slow dives, haunting vocal crescendos, and sugary guitar reverbs, all lassoed by driving drum and bass structures, Frankpollis -- whose previous claim to fame was having NYC club kid Jackson Pollis as their drummer -- had little idea what piece of rock nostalgia lay ahead.
Throughout their set, a tipsy character seemed to be heckling the band from the front of the stage, but perked ears soon understood the man's words to be ones of encouragement and advice, albeit mostly of the slurry type. But when the crusty-looking rocker jumped onstage as the set ended, the lights revealed him to be Brian Jonestown Massacre's infamous anti-star, Anton Newcombe.
After convincing both Frankpollis and the sound guy to hang out for a few more minutes, Newcombe huddled with the band over a few quick musical logistics before directing them in a reprise of their own "Truth's Been Told," which they'd just played by themselves moments earlier. Newcombe contributed vocal melodies, backing harmonies, and garbled interjections. "It makes me want to play music when I see kids play music," said Newcombe, who told SPIN.com that he just happened to be at the club meeting a friend. "They're so amazing, and they're just kids. Plus, I live just down the block." WILLIAM GOODMAN / PHOTOS BY NATE HARDER"
hey guys! sorry i missed your show in tokyo.. :( but hey I'm moving to New York hopefully around september/october! I dont know too much so i'll be counting on u guys to help me! haha jk.
..
