Being forever associated with Metro Area is not too shabby, and since Kelley Polar did the string arrangements on that duo's fantastic self-titled debut (2002), it's a justified fate. Polar's debut record, released on the Environ label, run by Morgan Geist (one half of Metro Area), is disco in the proudest way, with fascinating sounds and instruments rubbing up against each other in a sweaty mess of 0s and 1s. Each hook burrows deep, and each emotional surge is carefully planned and executed. The disciple doesn't quite surpass the teacher here, but this is a far more pop-focused release than Metro Area's full-length. In the Sahara of late 2005/early 2006, this is an oasis.
'Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens' player
Environ Records Web site
