The bright harmonies of the Polyphonic Spree are nothing if not smile-inducing. Band leader and co-songwriter Tim DeLaughter just has that effect; even during his tenure fronting Tripping Daisy in the 1990s, his boyish squeal was both enthusiastic and endearing, something he’s channeled into the Polyphonic Spree, the Texan symphonic collective he founded at the dawning of the new millennium. Now donning black military-style attire, the 20-plus member chorale return with The Fragile Army, another vibrant collection of do-gooder pop/rock and their follow up to 2004’s Together We’re Heavy.
On “Running Away,” radiant harmonies, pulsating, Rush-like bass lines, and soaring brass arrangements intertwine with a jovial DeLaughter: “I feel so excited and delighted today / ‘Cause you decided to be in my life/ It’s like running away with the wind in our faces / Like flying…” Such pleasantries go a long way in today’s dismal world — a place torn apart by war — and the Polyphonic Spree are unafraid to touch upon such sensitive topics, hence their mission as “The Fragile Army”; “Running Away” is a quick summertime ray of light, a glint of optimistic rock’n’roll, so ready yourself to march alongside the Polyphonic Spree and their Fragile Army, out June 19 via TVT. MACKENZIE WILSON
Now Hear This:
The Polyphonic Spree – “Running Away” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
The Polyphonic Spree at MySpace
thepolyphonicspree.com
Talk: Will you run away with the Polyphonic Spree?
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