From the very first guitar riff on ‘I Remain (Vol.4), you’re immediately hurled into a punchy and energetic punk rock dreamscape to unleash all your angst and pent up feelings. polxroid’s gritty brand of punk, categorised by a more washed over production style that lifts from 90s rock and shoegaze is a refreshing take on a genre that tends to delve more into pop sensibilities these days. Catherine Gallagher and Ciaran Coleman’s vocals, echoing biting nostalgia and an undying sense of angst shimmers across this record to give it life. It’s in this Irish group’s keen sense of how to craft a riff and an addictive rock melody that polxroid can attribute their incredibly addictive tunes to. Sean Coleman’s infectious guitar melodies coupled with Conor Duffy’s aggressive and impactful drumming just have you constantly engaged, entirely fixated on this groups seemingly endless energy.
Songs like ‘Nothing Will Ever Change’ seem almost generational in scale and melody. With a dual hook that refuse to leave your mind, an absolutely riveting guitar riff, and an equally pulsating solo towards the end, it hits every possible nail to carve out a perfect gem of punk rock. There are some distinct influences across this record, notably the washed out effect and punchy punk melodies seem drawn from groups like Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine. But, there’s also the infectiousness of a Green Day in the riff work. ‘Nostalgia’, a track that starts soft with a simple acoustic melody and morose tone is perhaps the most majestic piece on the entire album. It’s a belter of a ballad, building with so much verve into a crescendo that has you overwhelmed and amazed.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the group has already made waves in Ireland’s rock scene. But there’s so much more in the path ahead. You rarely come across a group who’s able to seemingly put together hit after hit with what seems like such ease. Not one song on this album is boring, they’re all masterfully arranged and addictive without measure. ‘Standing Still and Going Nowhere.’ is a punk rock record to reckon with.