Olly Alexander has formally stepped into a brand new period with the discharge of Polari, his first solo album below his personal identify. A shimmering, deeply private file, Polari is the sound of an artist totally embracing his id and artistic imaginative and prescient.
Described by Dork as “the album Olly Alexander has been ready his total pop star life to make”, the file is an unapologetic celebration of queer tradition, self-expression, and synth-driven pop.
A New Chapter in Olly’s Profession
Finest generally known as the frontman of Years & Years, Olly’s determination to launch Polari as a solo undertaking marks a significant second in his decade-spanning profession. The album was crafted in collaboration with famend producer Danny L. Harle, recognized for his futuristic tackle pop music. The pair labored collectively in a modest East London studio—mockingly positioned close to the golf equipment that formed Olly’s early years.
Talking in regards to the album, Olly stated: “I’m placing out music I like, on my phrases, meaning one thing to me.”
A Journey By Sound and Historical past
Polari is steeped in nostalgia however feels distinctly trendy. Its influences vary from the euphoric 80s synth-pop of Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Yazoo, to the club-ready beats of at the moment. The album options ‘Cupid’s Bow’, a disco-tinged tribute to queer nightlife, and ‘When We Kiss’, an electrifying anthem that appears like a misplaced hit from one other time.
A standout second comes with Olly’s Eurovision entry ‘Dizzy’, which boasts full Pet Store Boys-style pomp, becoming seamlessly into the album’s sonic universe. In the meantime, ‘Make Me a Man’ was even produced by legendary Vince Clarke, cementing the album’s deep connection to queer musical historical past.
The title Polari pays homage to the once-secret language utilized by homosexual males in Britain earlier than homosexuality was legalised. Many phrases from Polari—akin to camp, shady, commerce, and slap—have since turn into mainstream, very similar to the themes Olly explores in his music.
Aesthetic Perfection
Alongside the album launch, Olly has dropped a shocking new music video for ‘Whisper within the Waves’, directed by Colin Solal Cardo. Identified for his visually hanging work, the video continues the dreamlike, creative imaginative and prescient Olly has crafted for this period.
Up Shut and Polari Tour
To rejoice the album, Olly is taking Polari on the highway together with his Up Shut and Polari tour, set to hit venues throughout the UK and Europe. Followers can count on an intimate but high-energy expertise, bringing the album’s world to life.
With critics praising Polari as “a feat of punchy alt-pop” (DIY) and “assured and impressive” (The Telegraph), Olly Alexander has delivered what would possibly simply be his most defining work but.
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