Olly Alexander, the former frontman of Years and Years, makes a striking debut with his album Polari. The title itself is a nod to a coded slang historically used by minority groups, particularly within the gay community, symbolising themes of visibility and self-expression. This rich metaphor is intricately woven into the lyrics, as Alexander embarks on a captivating exploration of queer identity and exploration.
Polari is a treasure trove of stories about forbidden love, brimming with potential queer cult club classics. Throughout the album, themes of love, connection, and belonging resonate deeply with listeners.
The opening track, titled ‘Polari,’ offers an exciting glimpse into what’s to come. It serves as an ‘audio collage,’ blending electronic textures and drawing inspiration from the vibrant synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, like Erasure and Pet Shop Boys. This track brilliantly hints at what the album has to offer. As the album progresses, it delves into themes of intimacy with ‘Heal You’ and explores sexual tension in ‘Shadow of Love.’ Underneath the nostalgia that floods the album, bursts of Alexander’s signature upbeat pop sound shine through in tracks like ‘Dizzy’ and ‘Beautiful’, which is a nice homage to his former band Years and Years.
Alexander worked with producer Danny L Harle when making the album, and it shows. Harle’s work accompanies Alexander’s beautifully, clearly showcasing the influence of artists like Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, both of whom Harle has worked with before. Alexander’s storytelling ability stands out in this record, especially considering this type of music is often referred to as dance music. He has managed to bridge the gap between the emotional depth of a ballad and the energising beats of electro-pop while still telling a story.
As Alexander embarks on what promises to be a long and impactful career, his work on Polari deserves to be recognized. Just like the language it pays homage to, this album is poised to leave a lasting impression within the queer community, inviting listeners to connect with its resonant themes and melodies.
Olly Alexander: Polari – Out 7 February 2025 (Polydor Records)
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