Polska - 2nd Rate

Code · May 1, 2010

Artist : Polska
Release : “2nd Rate” - 2xCD and 12" Vinyl
Label : Subtle Audio
Catalog # : SUBTLE003CD / SUBTLE014

Release Date : May 3rd 2010 - direct from Subtle Audio Recordings Website
May 24th - distributed by ST Holdings Worldwide.

Audio Clips : 2xCD : http://www.subtleaudiorecordings.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=179
12" : http://www.subtleaudiorecordings.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=178
All : http://www.soundcloud.com/subtleaudiorecordings

CD 1

1. Good Day (with Don Rosco)
2. 2nd Rate
3. Blakoh
4. Outvert
5. Dumster
6. Reknew
7. Rollwidth
8. Reindevo
9. Wander
10. Google Plex
11. Monotic

CD 2

1. Doze-Days
2. Valuable Leaks
3. Longer (with Con)
4. Compatible
5. Pure-cussion
6. My Song
7. 2 Reflex
8. Souvenir
9. Ekqels

12"

A. "Setplace"
AA1. "Outvert" (Equinox Retrospective Remix)
AA2. "2nd Rate"

Irish producer Garth McNamee aka Polska is not your average studio dweller in 21st century Drum & Bass. He cites the nineties beats of Reinforced Records producers like Alpha Omega, Paradox & Seiji as being his biggest inspirations within the scene. His musical digest has always been wide and his productions have been inspired just as much by the jazz compositions of people like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock aswell the ambient stylings of Boards Of Canada. “2nd Rate” is a reference to how these outside influences are transposed into the realm of D&B on this album and given a new life.

There's an impressive range over the 20 tracks on this long player. CD1 holds a varied collection of D&B from the inspiring atmospherics of "Good Day" to the jazz band breakbeat of the title track "2nd Rate" and from the dark electronic groove of "Dumster" to the organic sounds of "Reindevo".

Over on CD2 the tempo drops but the fluid drum arrangements are still to the fore. The atmospherics on tracks like "Dose-Days" and "Valuable Leaks" impart a sense of wonder and innocence while "Longer" and "Ekqels" showcase Polska's love of jazz at a more conventional tempo. The bpm is raised for tracks like "Compatible" and "2 Reflex", injecting energy and variety to the proceedings.

So, 20 tracks, a myriad of tempos, influences and instrumentation and the resurrection of breakbeats and melody in a year when many have heralded minimalism as the way forward. It's not fashionable, but dammit - it's good!

*** There are 2 exclusive tracks on the 12" Vinyl single release. "Setplace" and also a remix of "Outvert" by Equinox (Planet Mu / Scientific Wax / Bassbin / Inperspective) ***

BUNDLE PURCHASE OFFER !

There is an option to order a Bundle on the Subtle Audio Website which includes the 2xCD and 12" versions of "2nd Rate" along with 6 Bonus Download tracks which are exclusive to this offer for the moment. There is a discount on the overall package price and postage is included !!!

SUBTLEB002 :: POLSKA - "2nd Rate" Bonus Downloads (mp3 / FLAC)

1. Summertare (0=0 Remix)
2. House Fire
3. Day By Day
4. Bad For You (with Con)
5. Did R E Do?
6. Bare

Edited June 7, 2013 by Redruth

May 2, 2010

BUMP

May 2, 2010

yowza mcbowza! these samples are hecka slammin'! ordered.

Code · May 11, 2010

On 5/2/2010 at 6:10 AM, nene multiple assgasms said:

yowza mcbowza! these samples are hecka slammin'! ordered.

Heya,

you get the CD through in the post yet ?

May 12, 2010

On 5/11/2010 at 10:12 PM, Code said:

On 5/2/2010 at 6:10 AM, nene multiple assgasms said:

yowza mcbowza! these samples are hecka slammin'! ordered.

Heya,

you get the CD through in the post yet ?

not yet.

May 13, 2010

this arrived today. haven't had time to listen to all of it yet, though.

Code · May 13, 2010

On 5/13/2010 at 6:13 AM, nene multiple assgasms said:

this arrived today. haven't had time to listen to all of it yet, though.

Nice !

Well, lemme know what you think if and when you do

May 14, 2010

great album. sort of psychedelic drum 'n' bass in places. that last track on the first disc is a motherfucker!

Code · May 17, 2010

On 5/14/2010 at 11:15 PM, nene multiple assgasms said:

great album. sort of psychedelic drum 'n' bass in places. that last track on the first disc is a motherfucker!

Nice ! Glad you dig it.

Yeah, "Monotic" - bit of an epic !