Heavenly Psychedelic
Born from the ashes of Tripping Daisy, The Polyphonic Spree are an indie pop/rock extravaganza consisting of a ten person choir, several orchestral instrumentalists, a full rock band, and the wailingest good time music this side of Heaven. Their music sounds as if Pink Floyd were brought into a psychedelic era Beatles session, and asked to assist on the closing track of what would become Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road.

The album consists of nine three and a half minute songs, and one conceptual opus that clocks in at around thirty five minutes, yet still manages to be engaging almost throughout. This sort of progressive transgression is the cornerstone of the album. Every song is pushing the limits of what pop can be, with happy sappy lyrics, and smiles all around. It's as though the whole band knows the irony of this style of music in light of modern times. Yet, while being a bit ironic, the overall beauty of the music, and light spirits that permeate the album make this a true feel good album.

It's actually quite hard to describe what it is that makes the album so... wonderful. It echoes in your head, dripping with hooks and drowning in ambiance, it's "like" many things, but purely it's own thing at the same time. Reminiscent of Of Montreal, The Flaming Lips, and Super Furry Animals, yet has a naïveté that's wholly unto itself.

In a year of musical mediocrity, Polyphonic Spree are more than just a breath of fresh air. They might just be our salvation.