Triphazard: Polestar

Artist: Triphazard
Title: Polestar
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Release: 14th April 2014
Reviewed By: Ben Chapman

Liverpool power-trio Triphazard rest from touring to release Polestar, a brief and anthemic EP that proves three people can make plenty of noise.

Keep Your Distance opens the EP by showing off bassist-vocalist Stef Stokes’ powerful voice. The long notes of her tuneful bellowing remind the listener of acts such as No Doubt, the agitated guitar and pacey drumming whiffs of Paramore. The band’s self-proclaimed ‘teenage angst in its twenties’ is characterised by the energetically strummed, almost gently distorted guitar that chugs along with the pitching vocal line. The initial force of this angst and energy is wasted though, tiring itself out in an overworked ending where uninspiring backing vocal shouts of ‘hey’ contrast with more pleasant droning notes under the main melody.

Lynch Mob welcomes listeners in an almost jazzy lone vocal intro, soon bursting into some carefully chosen chords. This makes for a more effective and persuasive resolution to the previous song as well-orchestrated rhythmic stabs and punching staccato guitar melody don’t let us forget the pop-punk spikiness of Triphazard’s origin. Musically it’s a strong choice as the EP’s single, but toward the end of the track an overused lyric's repetition and dodgy rhyme of ‘vengeance/repentance’ has Triphazard make a haphazard challenge on the the ears.

Laid to Rest is one of the more synth-prominent tracks on the record, with its rippling sound in rhythmic answer to the breaths between vocals and drum phrases. A slower tune in the verse uses pauses for effect and maintains thin textures despite the keys. This sparse structure allows listeners to fully appreciate the tasty vocal harmonies hiding in the mix.

The last track of the EP has Triphazard visiting a range styles almost seamlessly. Their pop-influences can be interesting. Merry-Go-Round’s poppy intro creates a dated feel with its arpeggio synth and steady pulse of bass, before building up into a head bopping rock chorus completed with a wailing guitar melody's urgent sustain. Later, a grooving synth interlude adds a dark twist to keep the dubsteppers entertained before the song wraps up. The busy vocal lines take us on an impressively ranged tour of Merry-Go-Round’s musical styles with comfortable strength.

Leaving the best track until the end of the EP, Polestar is an at times appealing yet ultimately inconsistent record, though that’s not to say that fans of the genre would be disappointed if they stumbled upon Triphazard.

Polestar will be out 14th April. The band play Threshold Festival 28th-20th March.