Polar Bear Club - Clash Battle Guilt Pride Review

Progression and change is always and somewhat a double edged blade. As a band you will be cursed if you do not change or progress enough. Dare to change more than people like, and you're cursed because of, well, change. Best examples are Rise Against or Thrice for the latter category, but in a way Polar Bear Club had their fair share of hate for their progression as well. You could always spot the Hot Water Music influence, but while their debut "Sometimes Things Just Disappear" still wore it's hardcore roots on it's sleeve, "Chasing Hamburg" went for a more melodic edge that not everyone felt comfortable with. The newest output "Clash Battle Guilt Pride" takes this trend to an even more refined level.

Opener 'Pawner' displays in a straight forward way what can be expected from new Polar Bear Club: melancholic to introspective tones are even more present than on previous outings, while still packing a punch. Truest to old form is the gang vocal driven 'Killin' it', while especially the lyrics of 'I'll never leave New York' and '3/4 Tango' show Jimmy Stadts more personal touch in writing the words to the songs. While the guitars still display awesome sense for melodic arrangements, and the rhythm section drives forward as always, the vocals are the most advanced and developed since "Chasing Hamburg". Stadt goes from soothing clean to raspy harsh with ease and gives many of the songs their own dynamic through his vocal performance.

The album is a strong and solid endeavor, and if the record has any problems at all they are called 'Screams In Caves' and 'My Best Days'. Not because they are in any way bad, absolutely the opposite. Both are catchy and strong anthems with strong melodies. To an extend they are a bit too catchy for the albums own good though, for one as both are almost next to each other, and that amongst the first part of the album. The rest is not really bad and far off behind, still both songs will probably end up as pinnacles for many on the first spins, making the rest seem a bit bland and weak in comparison. How much this will impact the long term and lasting value of the record time will tell, but this reviewer would not be surprised if in the end "Clash Battle Guilt Pride" would go down as one of Polar Bear Club's strongest outputs to date and a clear focal point in their developing discography.

To sum it up: Melody seems to be the clear goal in songwriting for Polar Bear Club these days, bringing catchiness in it's wake. That is not necessary a bad thing, as anthemic songs like 'Screams In Caves' and 'My Best Days'. Overall the album is a strong crowd pleaser so to say, though most of the album has to work a bit to get out of the long shadow of the major anthems hitting you early on in the first fourth of the track list....full text Polar Bear Club has announced the title of their upcoming full-length. The record will be titled Clash Battle Guilt Pride and it's expected out in the late summer/early fall via Bridge Nine Records, following up 2009's Chasing Hamburg. The band recorded the album with producer Brian McTernan; Alternative Press has a quick in-studio feature on the recording process...full text Polar Bear Club has announced the title of their upcoming full-length. The record will be titled Clash Battle Guilt Pride and it's expected out in the late summer/early fall via Bridge Nine Records, following up 2009's Chasing Hamburg. The band recorded the album with producer Brian McTernan; Alternative Press has a quick in-studio feature on the recording process...full text Polar Bear Club is a punk/hardcore/indie band that everyone needs to take note of NOW. This is their 3rd full length album and is sure to be one of many people’s favorites of the year.

PBC’s previous album, “Chasing Hamburg”, was my top album of 2009 and undoubtedly one of my personal favorite albums ever (click here to watch their music video for “Living Saints”). I can remember jamming to it almost everyday on my iPod while walking to class that fall semester (the record came out one of the first days of classes). So obviously, I put a lot of faith into these guys that they wouldn’t let me down with their next release…

The album opens with “Pawner”, a track that is unlike anything the band has done before. It starts off very slow with some intriguing chords strummed and ringing in the background. It’s all a big buildup to the heavy rock section that comes towards the end. I thought it was pretty cool that they opened with a song like this… it’s almost like they’re saying “we’ve progressed our sound, and here we are.” The second song, “Killin’ It” became my favorite song on the album right away. Catchiest song on the album that you just wanna yell all the words along with singer Jimmy Stadt. I call songs like this ‘bedroom moshers’.

The next song, “Screams In Caves”, is absolutely outstanding. It features a guitar riff that would fit on a newer Senses Fail album in the beginning. Chorus is too catchy and features some high notes I haven’t heard Jimmy try before on previous albums. His vocals have never sounded better. “Kneel on Nails” is up next. It’s pretty formulaic but one of those songs that has potential to grow into a favorite. “My Best Days” is an absolute jam. The raw vocals that this band is known for really stand out. One of those songs you could lose your voice to.

“Life Between The Lines” reminds me of something you’d hear on one of their early albums or EPs. Not overly catchy but something that’s totally unique to them and pretty hard. “I’ll Never Leave New York” slows things down a bit, but ultimately turns into one of those sing along songs that should be played live. “Bottled Wind” is up next, and I must say this is a doozy. They bust out some technical guitar riffs here, which is something they don’t do a whole lot of. This is a standout track not only on the album, but in their entire catalogue. “Slow Roam” begins as the title suggests… slow. Obviously like all of their songs, it turns into a rocker, but nothing noteworthy here....full text