Polarized Mind

Polarized Mind is a band of many faces. But upcoming release "Numbers Not People," the debut long-player from this fascinating duo, integrates various genres so naturally it'd be misleading to call it "eclectic." This melodically rich electronica album, written about alienated humankind, explodes standard techno/minimalist trappings with avengence--and is notable for its songwriting as well as sonic manipulation.

The disk really takes off with track 4, "Multiplayer." As 80's-influenced loops simulate sounds of Nintendo, keyboardist Owen Godwin sneers "I got the high score, but I still died," before an enigmatic coda seems to ask if the song was really just about video games. On the next tune, "A Plan Against You," programmer/guitarist Casey Dean's arranging talents surface, as hilarious conversation turns dark and foreboding through various edits.

Polarized Mind music tends to thematic/musical development. Not monotonously drilling you with one chainsaw loop ala Trent Reznor, the songs wander through different moods, arranged with a smoothness that coaxes the ear almost unconsciously. Godwin’s lovely instrumental "Goren" includes pretty strings, hip-hop beats and even Baroque structures in a short 5 minutes. The band's vocals also tend to subtlety, while acknowledging rock&roll influences. "Insect" is an updated "Into the Void" by Black Sabbath: "Flags were left in space...never to blow in the martian breeze," while the vocals (and music) on "Armin's Bonding..." are a direct nod to Pearl Jam's
"Tremor Christ."

Meanwhile, Dean's guitar work is fascinating. The album climaxes with her retro-metal chords on the hopeful "Perpetual Motion," and "Bonsai" is a truly touching metaphorical song with a great solo, rooted in heavy rock but somehow feminine and vulnerable, and an indelible, quiet final chord sequence.




- Kurt Boyer on stlscene.com

The eccentric electro-rock of Polarized Mind makes me want to do three things: dress up, boogie down, and befriend both of its members. The mad geniuses behind the industrial beats and ripping guitar are Owen and Casey (a former techno producer and thrash guitarist, respectively), who have teamed up to create an unheard sound: something reminiscent of Pac-Man on his ghost hunt at a Kraftwerk concert. Strange as that may seem, they lyrically agree all too well: "I got the high score, but I still died." Even if you're not an electronica fan, these players will have you re-evaluating your stance on the genre, as their hyper-dimensions transcend mere binary code and EBGDAE guitar, leaving listeners with - what else? - a musically polarized mind. - The Riverfront Times

By nature, electronica is sharply composed music built by synthesizers, robots and other indestructible items. So it's a testament to Polarized Mind that they can make the genre so intimate and gritty. The hypnotic duo compels its audience to dance like trip-puppets strung by the music, thanks to an industrial backbone and sexy-scary lyrics. At once futuristic and frightening - and fond of propelling a bit of gothic new-wave into the electronic age - Polarized Mind provides the attitude that computers lack. - The Riverfront Times

Perhaps the femputer from Futurama said it best: "Have you any idea what it feels like to be a fembot in a manbot manputer's world?" Casey Dean knows, and she's fighting back, ruthlessly firing sexy vocals in time with bullets from her chest. The female half of electric duo Polarized Mind litters musical magabytes with a fluttery mezzo-alto that could make a computer blush. While much of electronica finds itself featuring sterile, robotic vocals, Dean goes out of her way to personalize the Polarized experience. Her proclivity for gritty, growly talk-talk is so heavily laden with innuendo, she's the direct antithesis of her backup bots. Listeners beware: Prepare to be Dean-stroyed. - The Riverfront Times