Polvo - In Prism (2009)

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One of the more unlikely reunions of the decade came at the end of it with Chapel Hill, NC's guitar bashers Polvo. Their twisting masterpiece, Today's Active Lifestyles, released in '93, is the album to hear for to convince the stubborn music listeners of the world who decry the '90s. Guitarists/singers Ash Bowie and David Brylawski have an awesome, near-Sonic Youth guitar interplay style, but with a hearty dose of Eastern influence. Bassist Steve Popson grooves and dovetails along with the guitars very nicely and keeps them from going over the edge at times.

After being split up for 12 years, the band returned and released In Prism, a slowed down masterwork from the guys. It alternates gorgeous songs like "D.C. Trails" (my pick for the best track; the ending guitar passage is nearly equal to the Clapton's solo in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"), "City Birds" (there's that Eastern influence), and "A Link in the Chain" (a near-nine minute epic that ends the album on an uplifting note) to the hard rocking opener "Right the Relation." The latter tune features some incredible drum fills from new drummer Brian Quast (the ending passage especially). The first single from the album, "Beggar's Bowl," is also particularly rockin', and has a catchy main riff. "Lucía," is the other epic of the album and has another undeniable melody. "Dream Residue/Work" begins with a hip hop-ish beat, and "The Pedlar" boasts a mighty bass performance from Popson.

The incredibly creative (yet still very listenable) nature of this album, this band, is staggering. Hear them today to hear the sounds that most guitarists never dream of making. - Trent

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