Poliça is in transition. Their sixth album Dreams Go was released today – and it’s one for the books. The eight-track record reflects the Minneapolis-based band’s determination and resolve, which, translated into music, makes for electrifying sounds. With Channy Leaneagh’s hypnotic vocals and lyrics, Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson steady on the electronic live drums, the band shares an unmistakable sound. But one of the most poignant moments comes through in the steady sounds of bassist Chris Bierden – these songs are the last recordings of his melodies before he lost the ability to play following a glioblastoma [brain tumour] diagnosis in 2022. This album captures a moment in time where loss and resilience have been intertwined for Poliça, Dreams Go is ultimately an expression of the twists and turns of life.
From their debut single released in 2011, Lay Your Cards Out, which boasts over 18 million streams on Spotify, to this new release, you can hear how through grief, Poliça have matured their sound. Dreams Go stays true to their beginnings, but they sound a little wiser, a little stronger, and more experienced.
Produced by Ryan Olson and featuring guest production by Stockholm-based techno master Peder Mannerfelt, with new full-time bandmate Alex Nutter on live production and processing, the electrifying group created an album with a steady pulsing rhythm, while listening to Dreams Go you’re transported from verse to chorus and back again.
The electronic, indie-pop sounds are smooth and bewitching. Listening to Dreams Go feels like relaxing into the music and letting it envelop you completely. There are mellow melodies that soon break into static interludes, building up and slowing down only to charge back up again. The synths, drums, and Bierden’s bass lines in his final recordings with the band, meld into something irresistible and inviting.
With an alluring alternative influence, Poliça delivers emotional depth and raw humanity within Dreams Go. A collection of songs fuelled by perseverance and power, making art in the face of uncertainty. Here, we speak with Leaneagh, Christopherson and Nutter about their new addition to the band, which fictional character each member would be based on their musical energy and what’s next for Poliça.
1. Who are Poliça?
Poliça is an electronic-based band from Minneapolis. We include Channy Leaneagh (vocals/lyric), Ryan Olson (studio producer), Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson (electronic live drums), Alex Nutter (live production and processing) and Chris Bierden (bass). Chris is not able to play with us live anymore as he is battling brain cancer and lost the ability to play, but all his awesome bass lines are on our records; including Dreams Go.
2. Has there been a comfort snack or ritual in the studio lately?
Channy Leaneagh: When I am writing and recording it’s a steady stream of matcha, hot water, topo-chico and more matcha.
3. If each member had to pick a fictional character based on their musical energy, who would it be?
CL: I think my musical energy is lovechild between Tigger and Eyore from Winnie the Pooh.
Drew Christopherson: I used to want to embody Animal from The Muppets.
Alex Nutter: Plankton from Spongebob.
4. If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who is on the dream list?
CL: I would love to join Taraf de Haïdouks.
DC: It would have been cool to play with Eddie Van Halen. Could name about 500 others too.
AN: Genesis P-Orridge.
5. Adding Alex Nutter to the mix, what’s it been like adding someone new into such a close-knit band?
Alex was a natural addition because he has been a friend and collaborator for many years; he was also in another band with Chris Bierden so he knows Chris as well. We are in the process of making new memories with Alex, and he graciously listens to our stories from Poliça’s past.
6. What is your favourite track to play live?
CL: I actually love singing Blood Moon on stage because I love the lyrics and the melody; it’s like reading a story to the crowd. I am really looking forward to playing She Knows Me on stage; we will be adding a nylon string guitar to our set for the first time. I will get to bridge my folk and electronic background for the first time with Poliça.
7. One word to describe the new album from each of you?
CL: Dream-ache.
DC: Activating.
AN: Enjoyable 🙂
8. Were there any funny studio moments?
CL: I brought my dog Duckie to the first recording session we did for these songs, and he is a pretty funny animal.
DC: It wasn’t a particularly funny session, but I won’t forget being eight or so hours deep into tracking improvisations on day two, probably about our 25th song idea that we had worked on, and hearing Channy sing what would become Li5a while laying on her back and at the end of her rope. It was pretty great to be snowed in at Pachyderm.
AN: What happens in the studio stays in the studio.
9. Which song on Dreams Go would you play to someone who’s never heard Poliça before, and why?
CL: I would play them Revival – I think it sort of encapsulates our past and present production and lyrical style.
DC: I would play Creeping. I think that song has a good balance of great writing, fun drum quirks and ripping bass parts. A head bobber that you want to sing along to and a sick chorus.
AN: I think the title track Dreams Go would be my pick, in represents the classic Poliça sound and also reveals the future sonic signature.
10. What’s next for you?
CL: We are just in rehearsal mode for a few upcoming shows: we are looking forward to playing the new record live for the first time in October. I don’t have any idea what else is after that – such is the way of this business.
Photography courtesy of Poliça.
Channy Leaneagh
