In the bustling indie music scene of the 90s, where every band was vying to leave its mark, one band slipped through the cracks, only to be rediscovered like a hidden treasure. That band is Pollen. Starting in Sydney before leaping to Brisbane, these guys had the chops to stand out. Brisbane, with its legacy of producing solid rock acts like Powderfinger and The Go-Betweens, was the perfect playground for Pollen to fine-tune their sound—a sound that’s as chill as a late-night beach hangout but as engaging as a heart-to-heart with an old friend.
Their album, "The Glorious Couch Life," is this eclectic cocktail of sounds that’s hard to pin down but easy to love. Imagine smashing together the raw vibes of garage rock with beats that make you want to dance in a very un-club-like, more indie-rock kind of way, topped off with smarter lyrics than your average. It's like they took a bit of what makes bands like Superchunk and Guided By Voices tick, threw in a dash of Brisbane’s own Screamfeeder for good measure, and ended up with something that’s all Pollen.
Greg Wales, the guy behind the album’s production, is a legend, having worked with Aussie greats like You Am I and Radio Birdman. His touch gives the album that extra layer of cool, ensuring you’re not just listening to many tracks when you dive in; you’re hearing a cohesive statement.
Listening to "The Glorious Couch Life," you get why indie rock in the 90s was such a big deal. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about pushing boundaries, mixing genres, and not being afraid to be a bit different. Pollen nailed this vibe.
Rediscovering this album isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it's a reminder of the creative risks and the raw passion that defined a whole era of music. Pollen's story is a snapshot of a band that, despite not hitting the big time, left a mark on those lucky enough to stumble across their music. "The Glorious Couch Life" is more than just an album; it's a piece of indie rock history waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated again.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Million Destinations
12:25 - Sin as Fast as You Can
16:18 - Brighter Day
21:28 - Settle the Score on the Dancefloor
25:08 - Soma and Nerves of Steel
27:56 - Special Features
Outro - Not Rocket Science
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Pollen - The Glorious Couch Life | 90s Rock Album Review