Polvo
Encyclopedia
Polvo is an American indie
noise rock
band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina
. The band, formed in 1990, is fronted by guitarists/vocalists Ash Bowie and Dave Brylawski. Brian Quast plays drums, and Steve Popson plays bass guitar. Eddie Watkins was the band's original drummer, but did not rejoin the band upon its reunion in 2008.
Polvo is widely considered to be standard bearer of a genre which came to be known as math rock
, although in interviews the band disavowed that categorization. Their sound was defined by complex and dissonant guitar harmonies and driving rhythm, complementing cryptic, often surrealist lyrics. Their sound was so unpredictable and angular that the band's guitarists were often accused of failing to play with correctly tuned guitars. Polvo's songs and artwork frequently featured Asian/"exotic" themes and references. The band's name means "octopus" in Portuguese and "powder" or "dust" in Spanish; in Spain it also is a slang word for sex.
and Dave Brylawski, bassist Steve Popson and drummer Eddie Watkins. Bowie and Brylawski met in a Spanish class at the University of North Carolina and shared an affinity for both SST Records
and Let's Active
. Polvo's first recording was Can I Ride, a double 7" single released on the band's Kitchen Puff Records label in 1991. It was later re-released on CD as the Polvo EP on micro-indie Jesus Christ Records. The band then released two full length albums, two EPs, and several 7"s on Merge Records
, a label run by Superchunk's
Mac McCaughan
, a high-school classmate of Brylawski and Popson. Merge Records issued their debut album, Cor-Crane Secret
, in 1992. Today's Active Lifestyles
followed in 1993, refining the group's approach, and it was followed in turn by two EPs, 1994's Celebrate the New Dark Age
and 1995's This Eclipse
. Today's Active Lifestyles was later reissued with an alternative cover without the lion image on it, because of a copyright
lawsuit brought by the painter of the album.
The band makes an appearance in the 1994 cult
roadmovie Half-cocked.
Two albums were released after the band signed to the larger label Touch and Go Records
. Their debut for the label was 1996's double-length Exploded Drawing
, an eclectic, progressive effort that began to delve more explicitly into the guitarists' fascination with Asian music
. Drummer Watkins amicably left the band afterward to pursue career and family interests. The rest of the group was beginning to drift apart as well. Brylawski moved to New York City to attend graduate school and also traveled to India, while Bowie had already relocated to Boston by 1994 to join then-girlfriend, Helium
frontwoman Mary Timony
. Polvo reconvened in 1997 to record Shapes
with new drummer Brian Walsby. Both Touch and Go releases featured a darker, more progressive rock
-oriented sound instead of their earlier, post-punk
influenced style. Rumors that it would be their final album proved true when they amicably disbanded later that year, ending their farewell US tour with a two-night stand at hometown club Cat's Cradle.
They were critically acclaimed from the outset, at least among those critics who were into nontraditional/ underground rock.
Additionally, their music had a pronounced Eastern feel that came not only from the Indian and Middle Eastern-style drones
in their compositions, but actual Eastern instruments like the sitar
as well.
. Bowie and Quast had also been working on tracks for a new Libraness album. Brylawski later played in the North Carolina-based Indonesian music-influenced band Idyll Swords, which released two albums on Communion, and currently is a member of The Black Taj, as is Steve Popson. Watkins currently plays drums in Dr. Powerful.
and the Cherry Valence
, after being invited to appear at All Tomorrow's Parties
2008 and the Primavera Sound Festival
in Barcelona, Spain. They have since played several shows in the US, including the Northwest Music Fest in Portland, OR http://www.musicfestnw.com/. Polvo entered the studio in mid-March 2009 to record their first album in 12 years. They recorded with Brian Paulson at Echo Mountain in Asheville, NC.
A full live set from a benefit show at Cat's Cradle on August 17, 2008, featuring new songs and reworked versions of old songs, is available to purchase online. This album benefits the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, in memory of Cy Rawls.
Polvo played another reunion set at Cat's Cradle in July 2009 in honor of Merge Records' 20th anniversary and a free show in New York City on July 31 as part of the Seaport Music Festival with Obits (the show was originally scheduled for the South Street Seaport pier in Manhattan but was moved to the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg due to inclement weather).
Polvo re-signed to Merge Records, which released their new album In Prism
on September 8, 2009.
, Pavement
, Superchunk
, Pipe, Sonic Youth
, Unwound
, Trumans Water
, Sleepyhead, Trans Am
, Dungbeetle, and Spatula. They toured twice in the UK and once in Europe, playing with Sebadoh
, Babes in Toyland
, and Superchunk.
Polvo has scheduled shows in 2010 with Versus
.
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
noise rock
Noise rock
Noise rock describes a style of post-punk rock music that became prominent in the 1980s. Noise rock makes use of the traditional instrumentation and iconography of rock, but incorporates atonality and especially dissonance, and also frequently discards usual songwriting conventions.-Style:Noise...
band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill is a town in Orange County, North Carolina, United States and the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Health Care...
. The band, formed in 1990, is fronted by guitarists/vocalists Ash Bowie and Dave Brylawski. Brian Quast plays drums, and Steve Popson plays bass guitar. Eddie Watkins was the band's original drummer, but did not rejoin the band upon its reunion in 2008.
Polvo is widely considered to be standard bearer of a genre which came to be known as math rock
Math rock
Math rock is a rhythmically complex guitar-based style of experimental rock that emerged in the 1980s and that was very influenced by progressive rock like King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Henry Cow - and 20th century composers such as Steve Reich and John Cage...
, although in interviews the band disavowed that categorization. Their sound was defined by complex and dissonant guitar harmonies and driving rhythm, complementing cryptic, often surrealist lyrics. Their sound was so unpredictable and angular that the band's guitarists were often accused of failing to play with correctly tuned guitars. Polvo's songs and artwork frequently featured Asian/"exotic" themes and references. The band's name means "octopus" in Portuguese and "powder" or "dust" in Spanish; in Spain it also is a slang word for sex.
Biography
Polvo formed in 1990 in Chapel Hill, NC. Their original lineup consisted of vocalists/guitarists Ash BowieAsh Bowie
Ash Bowie is an American musician.In 1990, he formed the band Polvo along with Dave Brylawski, Steve Popson, and Eddie Watkins. Polvo was influential in the then-thriving indie rock scene in the United States. In 1995, he became the bassist for Helium, after their previous bass player left the...
and Dave Brylawski, bassist Steve Popson and drummer Eddie Watkins. Bowie and Brylawski met in a Spanish class at the University of North Carolina and shared an affinity for both SST Records
SST Records
SST Records is an American independent record label formed in 1978 in Long Beach, California by musician Greg Ginn. The company was initially called Solid State Transmitters through which Ginn sold electronics equipment...
and Let's Active
Let's Active
Let's Active was an American rock musical group formed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1981.-History:The principal songwriter and sole continuous member of Let's Active was Mitch Easter, who kept the band active through most of the 1980s. The band's musical style is sometimes referred to as...
. Polvo's first recording was Can I Ride, a double 7" single released on the band's Kitchen Puff Records label in 1991. It was later re-released on CD as the Polvo EP on micro-indie Jesus Christ Records. The band then released two full length albums, two EPs, and several 7"s on Merge Records
Merge Records
Merge Records is an independent record label based in Durham, North Carolina. It was founded in 1989 by Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan. It began as a way to release music from their band Superchunk and music created by friends, and has expanded to include artists from around the world and records...
, a label run by Superchunk's
Superchunk
Superchunk is an American indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, consisting of singer/guitarist Mac McCaughan, guitarist Jim Wilbur, bassist Laura Ballance, and drummer Jon Wurster. Formed in 1989, they were one of the bands that helped define the Chapel Hill music scene of the 1990s...
Mac McCaughan
Mac McCaughan
Mac McCaughan is a founding member of the rock band Superchunk, and co-founder of Merge Records along with Laura Ballance. He also heads the band Portastatic, which began as a lo-fi side project and has blossomed into his main musical project...
, a high-school classmate of Brylawski and Popson. Merge Records issued their debut album, Cor-Crane Secret
Cor-Crane Secret
Cor-Crane Secret is Polvo's first studio album. It was recorded at Duck Kee Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina, and released on Merge Records in 1992.-Track listing:# "Vibracobra" - 4:47# "Kalgon" - 2:02# "Bend or Break" - 5:24# "Can I Ride" - 3:44...
, in 1992. Today's Active Lifestyles
Today's Active Lifestyles
Today's Active Lifestyles is Polvo's second studio album. It was released on Merge Records in 1993. Early versions featured red tigers in the yellow color field, but these were soon removed due to a threatened lawsuit by their painter...
followed in 1993, refining the group's approach, and it was followed in turn by two EPs, 1994's Celebrate the New Dark Age
Celebrate the New Dark Age
Celebrate the New Dark Age is an EP by Polvo. It was recorded at Duck Kee Studios by Jerry Kee and released on Merge Records in 1994.-Track listing:#"Fractured " - 5:19#"City Spirit" - 2:55#"Tragic Carpet Ride" - 3:20...
and 1995's This Eclipse
This Eclipse
This Eclipse is a 1995 EP release by Polvo. It was recorded and mixed by Brian Paulson in Hillsborough, North Carolina on August 21–22 that year, mastered by John Golden and released on Merge Records.-Track listing:#"Bat Radar" - 4:13...
. Today's Active Lifestyles was later reissued with an alternative cover without the lion image on it, because of a copyright
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
lawsuit brought by the painter of the album.
The band makes an appearance in the 1994 cult
Cult
The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices...
roadmovie Half-cocked.
Two albums were released after the band signed to the larger label Touch and Go Records
Touch and Go Records
Touch and Go Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois, USA.After its genesis as a hand-made fanzine in 1979, it grew into one of the key record labels in the American 1980s alternative and underground rock scenes, Touch & Go carved out a reputation for releasing adventurous...
. Their debut for the label was 1996's double-length Exploded Drawing
Exploded Drawing
Exploded Drawing is Polvo's third studio album. It was engineered by Bob Weston and released as a CD and double-LP on Touch and Go Records in 1996.-Track listing:#"Fast Canoe" – 6:41#"Bridesmaid Blues" – 3:30#"Feather of Forgiveness" – 3:45...
, an eclectic, progressive effort that began to delve more explicitly into the guitarists' fascination with Asian music
Asian music
Asian music encompasses numerous different musical styles originating from a large number of Asian countries.Musical traditions in Asia* Music of Central Asia** Music of Afghanistan** Music of Kazakhstan** Music of Mongolia** Music of Uzbekistan...
. Drummer Watkins amicably left the band afterward to pursue career and family interests. The rest of the group was beginning to drift apart as well. Brylawski moved to New York City to attend graduate school and also traveled to India, while Bowie had already relocated to Boston by 1994 to join then-girlfriend, Helium
Helium (band)
Helium was an American alternative rock band formed in the summer of 1992. Originally calling themselves "Chupa", its founding members were Mary Lou Lord, Jason Hatfield , Shawn King Devlin and Brian Dunton...
frontwoman Mary Timony
Mary Timony
Mary B. Timony is an American independent singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, and violist. She was a member of the bands Helium and Autoclave, and currently plays in Wild Flag.-Biography:...
. Polvo reconvened in 1997 to record Shapes
Shapes (album)
Shapes is Polvo's fourth studio album. It was recorded by Bob Weston and released on Touch and Go Records in 1997.-Track listing:#"Enemy Insects" - 6:14#"The Fighting Kites" - 1:31#"Rock Post Rock" - 4:11#"The Golden Ladder" - 3:04...
with new drummer Brian Walsby. Both Touch and Go releases featured a darker, more progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
-oriented sound instead of their earlier, post-punk
Post-punk
Post-punk is a rock music movement with its roots in the late 1970s, following on the heels of the initial punk rock explosion of the mid-1970s. The genre retains its roots in the punk movement but is more introverted, complex and experimental...
influenced style. Rumors that it would be their final album proved true when they amicably disbanded later that year, ending their farewell US tour with a two-night stand at hometown club Cat's Cradle.
They were critically acclaimed from the outset, at least among those critics who were into nontraditional/ underground rock.
Additionally, their music had a pronounced Eastern feel that came not only from the Indian and Middle Eastern-style drones
Drone music
Drone music is a minimalist musical style that emphasizes the use of sustained or repeated sounds, notes, or tone-clusters – called drones. It is typically characterized by lengthy audio programs with relatively slight harmonic variations throughout each piece compared to other musics...
in their compositions, but actual Eastern instruments like the sitar
Sitar
The 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
as well.
Breakup
The group disbanded in February 1998 after a farewell tour in support of Shapes. In 2000 Bowie released an album of home recordings on the Tiger Style label, called Yesterday...and Tomorrow's Shells under the name Libraness. He has since appeared with (current Polvo drummer Brian Quast's band) the BQ's and recorded and toured with Fan ModineFan Modine
Fan Modine is an American indie pop band, whose core member is singer and songwriter Gordon Zacharias. Originally based in Boston, Zacharias has lived in Carrboro, North Carolina since 2001....
. Bowie and Quast had also been working on tracks for a new Libraness album. Brylawski later played in the North Carolina-based Indonesian music-influenced band Idyll Swords, which released two albums on Communion, and currently is a member of The Black Taj, as is Steve Popson. Watkins currently plays drums in Dr. Powerful.
Reunion
Polvo reformed with new drummer Brian Quast, formerly of Vanilla TrainwreckVanilla Trainwreck
Vanilla Trainwreck is an indie rock group from Chapel Hill, North Carolina that was active in the 1990s. They released three albums on Mammoth Records...
and the Cherry Valence
The Cherry Valence
The Cherry Valence is an American garage rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The group's sound is indebted to 1970s hard rock, and the group has the unusual distinction of two members who switch off on lead vocals and drums. They formed in 1998 and toured relentlessly across the US, releasing...
, after being invited to appear at All Tomorrow's Parties
All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)
All Tomorrow's Parties is a music festival which takes place at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset, England....
2008 and the Primavera Sound Festival
Primavera Sound Festival
San Miguel Primavera Sound, commonly known as Primavera Sound or simply Primavera, is an annual music festival which takes place in Barcelona, Spain in late May and, in some years, early June...
in Barcelona, Spain. They have since played several shows in the US, including the Northwest Music Fest in Portland, OR http://www.musicfestnw.com/. Polvo entered the studio in mid-March 2009 to record their first album in 12 years. They recorded with Brian Paulson at Echo Mountain in Asheville, NC.
A full live set from a benefit show at Cat's Cradle on August 17, 2008, featuring new songs and reworked versions of old songs, is available to purchase online. This album benefits the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, in memory of Cy Rawls.
Polvo played another reunion set at Cat's Cradle in July 2009 in honor of Merge Records' 20th anniversary and a free show in New York City on July 31 as part of the Seaport Music Festival with Obits (the show was originally scheduled for the South Street Seaport pier in Manhattan but was moved to the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg due to inclement weather).
Polvo re-signed to Merge Records, which released their new album In Prism
In Prism
In Prism is Polvo's fifth full length studio album, and their first since 1997's Shapes. It was recorded by Brian Paulson and was released on Merge Records on September 8, 2009. The track "Beggar's Bowl" is now streaming online....
on September 8, 2009.
Touring
Polvo toured North America numerous times, including outings with Thinking Fellers Union Local 282Thinking Fellers Union Local 282
Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 is an experimental indie rock group formed in 1986 in San Francisco, California, though half of its members are from Iowa. Their albums combine lo-fi noise rock and ambient sounds with tightly constructed rock and pop songs. The band has a small but intensely loyal...
, Pavement
Pavement (band)
Pavement is an American alternative rock band that formed in Stockton, California in 1989. In their career, they achieved a significant cult following, and they were called the best band of the 1990s by prominent music critics Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine...
, Superchunk
Superchunk
Superchunk is an American indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, consisting of singer/guitarist Mac McCaughan, guitarist Jim Wilbur, bassist Laura Ballance, and drummer Jon Wurster. Formed in 1989, they were one of the bands that helped define the Chapel Hill music scene of the 1990s...
, Pipe, Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
, Unwound
Unwound
Unwound was a United States post-hardcore band based in Tumwater/Olympia, Washington. Formed in 1991, the band consisted of Justin Trosper , Vern Rumsey , and Brandt Sandeno , all of whom had previously been in a band called Giant Henry. Brandt Sandeno quit Unwound in 1992 and was replaced by...
, Trumans Water
Trumans Water
Trumans Water is an indie rock band from San Diego, California formed in 1991. They have released over a dozen full length recordings over their career, wherein they collaborated with acts in genre, including Azalia Snail, Chan Marshall and Thurston Moore....
, Sleepyhead, Trans Am
Trans Am (band)
Trans Am is a three-piece band which originated in Bethesda, Maryland that was one of the originators of "post-rock" in the mid 90s. Their work centers on a cerebrally robotic, usually instrumental, semi-danceable, minimalistic format, with influences including Krautrock, heavy metal, hardcore...
, Dungbeetle, and Spatula. They toured twice in the UK and once in Europe, playing with Sebadoh
Sebadoh
Sebadoh is an American indie rock band, formed in 1986 in Westfield, Massachusetts by Eric Gaffney and Dinosaur Jr bass player Lou Barlow. Along with such bands as Pavement and Guided by Voices, Sebadoh helped pioneer lo-fi music, a style of indie rock characterized by low-fidelity recording...
, Babes in Toyland
Babes in Toyland (band)
Babes in Toyland was an American alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1987. The band was formed by Oregon native Kat Bjelland , with Lori Barbero and Michelle Leon , who was later replaced by Maureen Herman in 1992...
, and Superchunk.
Polvo has scheduled shows in 2010 with Versus
Versus (band)
Versus is an American indie rock band formed in 1990 by Richard Baluyut, Fontaine Toups and Edward Baluyut in New York City. Richard and Fontaine were to remain the two core members throughout the band's history. The band was noted for their marriage of indie pop songwriting and vocal harmonies to...
.
Albums
- Cor-Crane SecretCor-Crane SecretCor-Crane Secret is Polvo's first studio album. It was recorded at Duck Kee Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina, and released on Merge Records in 1992.-Track listing:# "Vibracobra" - 4:47# "Kalgon" - 2:02# "Bend or Break" - 5:24# "Can I Ride" - 3:44...
LP/CD (Merge, 1992) - Today's Active LifestylesToday's Active LifestylesToday's Active Lifestyles is Polvo's second studio album. It was released on Merge Records in 1993. Early versions featured red tigers in the yellow color field, but these were soon removed due to a threatened lawsuit by their painter...
LP/CD (Merge, 1993) - Exploded DrawingExploded DrawingExploded Drawing is Polvo's third studio album. It was engineered by Bob Weston and released as a CD and double-LP on Touch and Go Records in 1996.-Track listing:#"Fast Canoe" – 6:41#"Bridesmaid Blues" – 3:30#"Feather of Forgiveness" – 3:45...
CD/2xLP (Touch & Go, 1996) - ShapesShapes (album)Shapes is Polvo's fourth studio album. It was recorded by Bob Weston and released on Touch and Go Records in 1997.-Track listing:#"Enemy Insects" - 6:14#"The Fighting Kites" - 1:31#"Rock Post Rock" - 4:11#"The Golden Ladder" - 3:04...
LP/CD (Touch & Go, 1997) - In PrismIn PrismIn Prism is Polvo's fifth full length studio album, and their first since 1997's Shapes. It was recorded by Brian Paulson and was released on Merge Records on September 8, 2009. The track "Beggar's Bowl" is now streaming online....
LP/CD (Merge, 2009) - TBD (Merge, 2011)
EPs
- Celebrate the New Dark AgeCelebrate the New Dark AgeCelebrate the New Dark Age is an EP by Polvo. It was recorded at Duck Kee Studios by Jerry Kee and released on Merge Records in 1994.-Track listing:#"Fractured " - 5:19#"City Spirit" - 2:55#"Tragic Carpet Ride" - 3:20...
(EP/ mini album) CD/3x7" box set (Merge, 1994) - Polvo CD (reissue of "Can I Ride" double 7"; Jesus Christ, 1995)
- This EclipseThis EclipseThis Eclipse is a 1995 EP release by Polvo. It was recorded and mixed by Brian Paulson in Hillsborough, North Carolina on August 21–22 that year, mastered by John Golden and released on Merge Records.-Track listing:#"Bat Radar" - 4:13...
CD EP (Merge, 1995)
Singles
- "Can I Ride" 2x7" (Kitchen Puff, 1990)
- "Vibracobra" 7" (Rockville, 1991)
- "El Cid" split 7" (with Erectus Monotone; Merge, 1992)
- "Tilebreaker" 7" (Merge, 1993)
- "Two Fists/All The Cliches Under BroadwayTwo Fists/All the Cliches Under BroadwayTwo Fists/All the Cliches Under Broadway is a 7" split single released by the math rock band Polvo and New Radiant Storm King on Penny Farthing Records. Although the record was 7" in size, it played at 33⅓ rpm, instead of the usual 7" speed of 45 rpm...
" split 7" (with New Radiant Storm KingNew Radiant Storm KingNew Radiant Storm King is an indie rock group formed at Massachusetts' Hampshire College in 1990.-Biography:New Radiant Storm King have released eight studio albums on six different labels...
; Penny FarthingPenny Farthing RecordsPenny Farthing Records was established by UK record producer Larry Page, as a progression from his mildly successful 1960s record label, Page One Records. It did not repeat the top 20 hits of his earlier venture, but signed some artists of note....
, 1994) - "Heavy Detour" 7" (Merge, 2011)
Compilations
- "Mexican RadioMexican Radio"Mexican Radio" is a song written and performed by the band Wall of Voodoo, and produced by Richard Mazda. The track was initially made commercially available on their 1983 album Call of the West. The song peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S...
" (originally by Wall of VoodooWall of VoodooWall of Voodoo was an American New Wave group from Los Angeles best known for the 1983 hit "Mexican Radio". The band had a sound that was a fusion of synthesizer-based New Wave music with the spaghetti western soundtrack style of Ennio Morricone.-Formation:...
) on the Planned ParenthoodPlanned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
benefit CD Tannis Root Presents: Freedom of Choice (Tannis Root, 1992) - "Watch The Nail" on Rows of Teeth (Merge Records, 1994)
- "Reverse Migraine" on Music From The Motion Picture Reach The Rock (Hefty Records, 1998)