Will Schube was voted Best Dressed at the Oscars
One of the greatest struggles for new bands lies in the need to establish a particular identity while developing off that framework. It’s this balance that generally separates those who “make it” from those who don’t. Ryan Pollie, the dude behind the still un-googleable Los Angeles Police Department, has found this medium and established himself as one of L.A.’s most exciting new voices. His first single, “She Came Through (Again)” is hazy and lazy–a low-key take on Wilco and The Shins. His latest work, a 7″ via Fat Possum, takes this laid-back approach and expands it into that groggy/rested state just after awaking from a midday nap.
“Insecurity,” the record’s A-side, is scuzzy, fuzzy, and the loudest thing Pollie’s created to date. Drums are tinny and garage-residing, while his voice is airy and embracing. The track’s nice, but the b-side, “Water and Wine” is a far more complete idea of what Pollie’s attempting to accomplish with LAPD. Over a glimmering piano line, Pollie’s voice floats along a river of dry ride cymbals and ambient, subtle synthesizers. The song’s pre-chorus, which finds Pollie unassumingly singing, “I need a glass of water / She needs a glass of wine,” is a lovely set up for a chorus equal parts post-rock and folk. Pollie’s voice is often unassuming, but his strength comes in an ability to use this quiet attitude as a texture and instrument. Pollie’s voice is another strand of music to sort through, another layer added to that thick L.A. smog.
