TRACK REVIEW: Laurel Laxxes (ft. Angie Hudson) - Polar Eyes

TRACK REVIEW:

Laurel Laxxes (ft. Angie Hudson)

Polar Eyes

9.6/10

Polar Eyes is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/laurellaxxes/polar-eyes-feat-angie-husdon

GENRE:

Electronic

ORIGIN:

Portsmouth, U.K.; Byron Bay, Australia

RELEASE DATE:

May 2017

Produced by Nicholas Cummins and Jack Prest

Mastered by Ben Feggans

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ONE has much to ponder in this review so it is…

best we get down to things. I shall come to look at a great new song in Polar Eyes, later, but, for the moment, wanted to raise a few points. The first relates to social media and official websites; moving onto Australia and the great music that is coming from the country. Then, considering Laurel Laxxes, I wanted to look at those who relocate to the U.K.; a glimpse at Australia and the idyllic areas one can create; Electronic songs and a different flavour for summer; collaborations and getting that blend just right – a little bit about consistency and artists taking their first steps. Looking at both artists featured on Polar Eyes and, whilst different, have separate approaches to marketing and their social media feeds. Their fan numbers are different and, whilst not pertinent to the music, are striking and good-looking folk. One would like to see more images of Laurel Laxxes (Nicholas Cummins) as he is a handsome fella but, more than that, provides an insight into their world – what the artist looks like. It might not sound important – and something I raise quite a bit – but I feel there are so many different aspects to consider when it comes to success. Yesterday, I interviewed Lauran Hibberd who is based on the Isle of Wight but is what I am talking about – in terms of the way she brands herself. Her official website – one can check her out in their free time – is perfect. It has all her social media links in one places and is very well-designed. In an age, she said, when people are glued to their iPhones and social media – many do not take the time to tailor their website to those who appreciate the aesthetic and deep. Maybe that is a problem in modern society: we are all too engrossed in technology and assume many do not want to see photos or more detail. Laurel Laxxes is an artist with a fascinating sound/story: having that on an all-purpose official website would be great. Getting a few photo shoots organised – maybe, twenty-or-so shot – would be great and, in many cases, quite affordable. I could slice them into the review and would make it look fuller.

Again, perhaps considering putting videos/biography on that site and telling his story. I know Laurel Laxxes has the benefits of P.R. and has a press release – a professional website would add something and get the social media numbers climbing. At present, he has a modest following on Twitter but is someone who deserves a lot more. The photos I am provided of Laxxes are great but he has a great face and someone who would suit some awesome shoots. Take Angie Hudson, who is a little different. She has her official website (link at the foot of this review) and lots of live shots – some great portraits. The two artists are different but both have their merits. If Laxxes would see rewards from having a site like Hudson’s – and putting more onto his social media – she, in turn, might be envious, to an extent, of his story and bravery – I shall come to that soon. Like I say; it might not seem like a biggie but, having come from interviewing Lauran yesterday and I saw such a treat for the eyes – lots of information, links and details that made the interview so full and beautiful. I feel, in a lot of ways, it can be the difference between a minor and major success – backing that up with terrific music and keeping fans updated. That is another thing one must consider: ensuring you push music and updates to the social media throngs. By informing the punters of going-ons and all the latest happenings; they are likely to stay with you and remain for the long-term. We are in an age when attention-spans are shortened and everyone wants something quick and easy. There is little time to read and go into depth – bad news for me! – but I feel this should change. One is only like that because journalists/artists are fuelling that. I feel we need to get out of this mindset and actually spend more time reading, looking at music closely and becoming involved in artists. Laurel Laxxes, as I said, is a fantastic talent and someone who will go a long way. If he manages to put together a full official website – keeping with the P.R. team/side of things.

I might come back to this in closing but, right now, onto Australia and music coming from there. Nicholas Cummins’ alter ego hails from Australia but he has recently moved to Gosport. I will allude to that but, considering Laxxes and Hudson hails from the great nation; a little exposition about the music from there. I am fascinated by Australia and the music – and the way the country is run. We assume, maybe cliché, Australia is ultra-laid-back and has that very casual approach to life and the arts. If we think about those stereotyped images: we think of the Australian as being very matey and rough-around-the-edges. Knowing Australians, and the reality of the people, I feel there needs to be reappropriation. I know a band from Adelaide and a couple of musicians from Perth; Sydney and Melbourne-based acts and someone from down Hobart-way. Every part of the nation breeds a different personality and style of music. If one is not hooked by the cosmopolitan and fascinating history of Melbourne; one can traverse to Sydney and the beaches and a distinct vibe. Up to, say Perth or Brisbane, and one is greeted with a different sensation/feel. Australia is such a rich and varied country – this is reflected in the music coming out of there. The nation seems to get ignored by the mainstream press here (and the U.S.) to an extent. There is that feeling it is a nation not as productive and quality-laden. That is a falsehood as Melbourne’s GL evokes memories of Blondie in their heydey. They have a bit of Madonna to them and the duo has been impressing critics in the city for a while – expect them to rise and hit it big. DMA’S are three lads from Sydney that evoke sensations of our Britpop period. There is that Oasis-esque swagger and an uplifting sound that needs to come over here and wash away the rain. Basenji is a Sydney synth.-creator who has big sounds and played sold-out shows in the U.S. in 2015. If one wants a colourful collective then look no further than Safia. They hail from Canberra and have hooked up with top Australian artists like Peking Duk and Alison Wonderland. Creators of some seriously fine and nuanced music – another band primed for longevity and success. That is just a cursory peek into bands/acts who are putting Australia in the mindset.

I feel the media out there are being a bit lacklustre there and not really doing quite as much as they should. One of my ambitions is to go to Melbourne and, perhaps, work there one day. I wonder how strong the music media is over there. I know there are great journalists but what about the press and website around the city? I have not seen many online rundowns of the best Melbourne artists for a couple of years now – same goes for Sydney and other areas. Talking to Australians and I am made aware how different Melbourne is to Sydney. I plump for the former because of the people (a bit more laid-back and not quite as ‘judgey’, I have been told) and the incredible music. Sydney has that incredible geography and some incredible Indie bands. I find I there are some incredible Soul/Alternative acts in areas like Brisbane and some wonderful artists working around Canberra. It seems strange there are not more options for people like me – wanting to get a handle on all the rich array of acts in the country. Regardless, and the reason I bring this up, is to show how essential that is. Australia is a nation that continues to amaze and impress me. Laurel Laxxes, who I shall come to soon, is someone who has come over here – one wonders whether there are greater opportunities/better support in the U.K. It is something to ponder, in addition to perusing study, moving from somewhere as clement and stunning as Australia – to Portsmouth – is a big shift. I will come to look at aspects around Angie Hudson and where Laurel Laxxes left but, looking at Hudson, she is someone who seems perfectly suited to Australia. Part of a trio – drummer Freyja Hooper and bassist Shaun Johnston – she creates soulful blends that remind one of Sade and Norah Jones. There is a huskiness and sweetness that makes her voice a veritable cocktail of emotions. She performed sold-out shows at Byron Bay Falls Festival and supported Berlin Disco-Pop outfit, Parcels. There was a huge reaction and, as she put together her debut release, a great chance to gauge feedback. That sultry voice and alluring set of lyrics is matched by a musicianship and confidence that is already turning heads. She should be on a ‘Ones to Watch’ list and, let’s hope, the journalists of Australia galvanise and create something for people like me – who wants to get to the heart of music there. I am fascinated by the dynamic and intricacies of cities like Sydney but know Australia is vast and wide-ranging – plenty of other towns and cities have a valid and eclectic music scene.

PHOTO CREDIT: @Yaniclarkephotography

I will definitely expend more thought on this aspect soon but, first, a look at Laurel Laxxes as a case study. As I said; he has moved to the U.K. to study a course in Portsmouth/Gosport. One thinks about that immigration and it shows bravery and boldness. Aside from the fact Portsmouth is about as far from a typical view of Australia as I perceive makes the move sound rather unattractive. That said, there are the chances here to build a career and enrol in a scholarship – which is what Nicholas Cummins is doing. His Laurel Laxxes moniker intends to release material of all flavours in the coming months. Having an educational foundation and new instruction will go into his music – a broader palette and new elements he can bring in. Polar Eyes, as we will see, is a stunning example of where he is but, one suspects, he will drop something (new) very soon. I am excited about Laurel Laxxes because he is a courageous and exciting man. He hails from Bonny Hills and, looking at it, you’d be forgiven were you to be jealous of the jammy sod. It is about half-hour from Port Macquarie – seriously: Google that place! – and a slice of Paradise. I think there is a surf club in Bonny Hills but it is quite modest in terms of amenities and the music scene. Although it is located close to bigger towns; it might seem a bit detached and isolated. I can, therefore, see why a U.K. move is appealing. Being situated in Gosport/Portsmouth; he has an easy jaunt to Southampton but, if tempted, a short train hop to Brighton. London is not too far away so he has some incredible places nearby. That will be useful when he needs to perform and showcase new material. I find it is really brave relocating anywhere but, being so far from home, it needs to work – luckily, the young artist has a game plan that seems very sound.

He wants to learn more and build on his foundations as a producer/writer/performer. He will get a great education here and meet a lot of like-minded people. Not to bang on about the looks of the man – jealous, or what?! – but his music and looks will turn heads. Not that one should equate sexuality and attractiveness to music success but he will fit in very well – popular because of his multiple charms and zeal for music. Now, literally right now, the weather is complete shite but it looks like it MIGHT warm up. I guess we associate Australia as being ever-sunny but, comparing the nations, there is not a huge amount in common. Australia, for a musician, must seem a bit fraught and tricky. I feel there are some wonderful acts there that have fewer opportunities than they would here. Maybe Laurel Laxxes is an artist we will see on our shores for years to come. He would love a life in Brighton or London. Brighton, because of the beach, The Lanes – a colourful shopping street (set of, actually), and the mix of cultures and people. Then London, with its beating heart of terrific music, might tempt him. He would forge a great career here and find plenty of opportunities. He might favour the more relaxed pace of Manchester. It is a city that has a terrific music scene and is reputed as being one of the most appealing areas of the U.K. Regardless of his studies and future aims; he will enjoy it here and would be great if he moved to one of the larger cities. We are always looking for new artists with a fresh dynamic: Laurel Laxxes has this in spades and can inject fresh life into the London Electronic scene that is for sure. Relocating anywhere is always heavy with uncertainty and emotion but it seems Britain is a good fit for the hungry Australian. Laurel Laxxes, whilst here, will be able to collaborate with many artists and have plenty of radio stations willing to play his music.

Switching things to Angie Hudson and, unlike her country-mate Nicholas Cummins, might not have any reason to come to the U.K. She is taking a different approach to music and seems set where she is. In fact, looking at her and the music she puts out, she has a great chance of affecting change in Australia. Not only is she stunning and mesmeric – those Australian genes and the sunny climate – but has one of those unique voices one falls in love with. As a musician, it seems she is set in her trio but keen to fuse her talents with other artists here and there. She perfectly bonds with Laurel Laxxes and is able to step into new genres – an artist who understands what a writer is saying and can assimilate and adapt with so much ease. That chameleon-like quality is a rarity. Let’s hope we get a chance to see Hudson over here as she seems like a young woman with a golden career looming. Mammal Sounds is the P.R. company that brought me to Laurel Laxxes’ attention. I am not sure whether he runs it or is represented by then but, like Angie Hudson, one can be very jealous by reading an address. I review artists from London and, whilst envious they are making great music, can commute to the capital and am very familiar with its diversity and various areas. Reading the address of Mammal Sounds – Beach Road, Bondi Beach – and, in addition to getting plenty of ‘beach’ for your dollar, just KNOW it is going to be perfect. In fact, it is. Not only does one have that legendary beach near-by but so many bright and trendy restaurants and shops. It is a mix of London and Brighton’s best points – the quirkiness and class; a young population and vibrancy – but a young and energetic crowd. Maybe it falls into a cliché view we have of Australia but it seems like a perfect place to work and live.

Bondi Beach, to even visit there, would be a mind-opening and vivid experience that would linger in the mind for years. Not only does one have the endless array of bronzed bodies and white smiles: there is that extraordinary view and access to a part of Australia that provides so many opportunities and wonders. Byron Bay, in New South Wales, is a ninety-minute flight from Bondi Beach but seems like has the same mix of delicacies and treasures. Famed for its surfing and wonderful beaches; there is a three-day festival in the heart of Byron Shire that will draw in the crowds. Once considered countercultural; the area is seeing an influx of big brands looking to merchandise and monetise the festival. It might be media scaremongering but let’s hope the purity and virginity of the festival is not sullied by the leering hands of marketing men – all looking to put their filthy hands down the top of a proud and authentic festival. I digress but, apart from that concern, Angie Hudson seems to be in a part of the world perfectly suited to her needs. I can well imagine where that sultry and chocolate-rich voice comes from. I know there are some great Soul-type artists around the Byron Bay area but it is the way of life there – a more relaxed place and the near-tropical peace of the place – that goes into chilled, sumptuous and incredible music. Perhaps it is the background and geography of Byron Bay that enforced her vocal on Laurel Laxxes’ Polar Eyes. Against the tide of summery bangers one might experience in Sydney and Melbourne: there is a more alluring and seductive vibe around Byron Bay. There is a clash of modern, young and fashionable; the calm, classic and peaceful in Byron Bay. Not only is there that music festival and flow of impassioned and surf-seeking bodies: one has a chance to retreat from the rush and take a stroll surrounded by lush grass and panoramic views. Hudson is one of the most impressive artists in the area and seems to be finding lots of chances to shine. The fact Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson are from Australia – but two different areas of the nation – seems to, in a wonderful way, define and explain the song, Polar Eyes.

I am being wordy so shall wrap this section up with a bit about Electronic songs and their profligacy. I am hearing a lot of summer-ready Electronic jams that seem beach-prepared. The sounds are bountiful, sexy and curvaceous. It seems there is that need to aim for those hitting the clubs and flocking to the beach-side bars. Maybe this is the way Electronic music is going. Too many artists instantly go for the jugular. The need to get people sweating, dancing and jumping is not the most effective way of promulgating the form. Sure, it is important to have those anthems and bangers but there is so much richness one can yield from Electronic music. Consider a song like Polar Eyes and its title alone indicates the sort of tones one will experience. There is nothing as glacial and Icelandic as, say, Björk’s Medúlla – but it is closer than you’d imagine. We hear great Electronic/Alternative artists like the xx who are closer in spirit to Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson than the club-heading tunes that litter the charts. It seems there is divisionism between the hot and sassy bangers and the chilled and deeper dimensions of Electronic. It is good to have a varied culture but it seems there is little crossover and communion. One either hears the sweat-dripping, tongues-enraptured-and-tied-in-drunken-ecstasy or the more pontificated, cultured and temporised version. Polemic, spectrum-opposite and sharing little common D.N.A. – does there need to be a greater campaign to get these disparate away from a Venn Diagram intersect and more, well, fraternal?! I am a bigger fan of the likes of Polar Eyes because it has its eyes on the summer but does not shout about it. In a way, you can define Electronic music by areas and times of day. There is the Ibiza/Hacienda club vibe that comes out during the day and seems to sport little fatigue when the sun goes down. Then there is the other side which is best suited to Los Angeles or London – when the lights go down and you want something more contemplative and demure. I feel there are very few who add any sort of nuance and emotion into Electronic music. Markets demand sounds that cut to the core and get the people involved but, as we can see with the likes of the xx, a richer vein to be mined when you take the volume down and add more personality/emotion.

This is an area I will touch on later but will end with a bit about Hudson and Laxxes and how they are starting out at the moment. They are two artists that are making their embryonic steps but are two of the more exciting artists I have encountered. Both are bright, passionate and instilled with incredible talent – I am keen to see where they head from here. Laurel Laxxes is in the U.K. and will be releasing new material very soon. I am not sure whether his music will continue along the Electronic route but I am sure there will be new technical and compositional textures approaching. Hudson, still in Australia, has that incredible backdrop and an area that is inspiring her mind and fostering a wonderful young woman. I am excited to see how her new material will sound and whether she will do any more collaborations. I feel the collaborations are too common and there are so many songs that suffer because of it. Every time I peruse a Spotify playlist on a Friday, one is greeted with endless collaborations. It seems new artists, mostly Rap/Urban acts, feel the need to throw needless bodies into the mix. I am not sure why collaborations are so popular and whether anything is genuinely added to the music but I am finding too many songs ruined and overcrowded. A lot of times, it is c cynical move to get streams up and appeal to the marketing side of music – put big names into a song and you get more hits, money and attention. It is a cheap and cynical aspect of music I would like to see less of. If a collaboration is pure of intent and right; that can lead to something magical. That is why Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson’s hook-up is perfect. Laxxes had the idea and song already but, when Hudson came along, things changed. In explaining the song; the artist assessed it in these terms:

“I was bored to death of hearing tropical bangers and wanted to write a moodier, more reverb-soaked tune that reflected where I was mentally. The juxtaposition of the faster paced beat against the brooding guitars and synth patches is the end result of the uncertainty and emotional fluctuation I was feeling while writing alone in my studio. I wanted to create something that was both distant and intrusive at the same time”.

PHOTO CREDIT: @freyjahooper

When talking about Hudson’s input and why she was so essential:

“She picked up a moody, pensive vibe from the track and sent me her ideas for the melodies. The lyrics are about viewing a deteriorating relationship between two people from the outside, but also being directly affected by what happens in it at the same time. Being both involved but removed can create a confusing, ethereal feeling which we tried to capture in the performance of the vocals”.

The song, initially was more sonic and conceptual until that arranged marriage of Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson. Bringing her take to the song; Hudson was essential getting the song to where it was – her way of life and musical style brilliantly fusing with Laurel Laxxes’ mindset:

“Angie and I decided to name to the song ‘Polar Eyes’ because the song is about viewing a relationship between two people that you care about from the outside. Seeing the contradicting ways they act towards each other and witnessing the positive and negative habits of their behaviour and actions”.

Polar Eyes, aside from its wordplay (‘polarise’); projects arctic tundra and a steely gaze – maybe a commentary on Electronic music or the polar differences and divisions in a relationship. I am buoyed to see two like-minded individuals combine because it is what the collaboration should be about.

PHOTO CREDIT: @_m_n_em_

Eeriness, beauty and intrigue open the song. There is something scratchy – like a vinyl playing – and some punchy beats. That build-up is cinematic and quite intense. One hears whispers and snatches of sounds; like you are in the city after dark and awed by the silence – with a few crackles of light and traffic here and there. The song starts to build and rush as those punctuated and tense beats volumise and intensify. “How does it feel/When you have it all?” asks Hudson. The heroine, maybe speaking about love and the battles in love, asks what it is like when they (he) wins the war. One hears embers of Norah Jones in her voice. You get the same smooth and sensual blend; a rawness underneath it that juxtaposes the tenser and more street-ready ruffle of the beats and electronics. Befitting of the song’s title; it seems there are polar aspects and dynamics that combine with ease. Hudson’s voice is perfect for Laurel Laxxes’ teasing and promising sounds. It is a song that creates curiosity and wonder from the off. That vocal of Hudson’s is soft and playful but has an intensity and direction to it. Maybe she is speaking from experience but it seems like clashes in love are in her mind. The pensive and moody composition could be given a different take and ruined. Maybe a vocalist would come in and make the performance too intense and rushed. Hudson, in the way Portishead can make a song sound dangerous and edgy, creates something malevolent and beautiful at the same time. There is that tease and creep to the voice – the heroine licking her lips and judging the hero – but there is so much passion and velvet to her tones. Perhaps she is watching from the outside and seeing how there is this capriciousness in the relationship.

Polar Eyes is ever-more apt when considering the slight steel and cool breezing from Hudson. She takes her times and projects an elongated and refined vocal. In the back, Laxxes’ production and composition elements project a physicality and dream-like haze. One need only look at Angie Hudson and she has that intoxicating look and demeanour. Someone who would not take any crap in a relationship but has a warmth and allure that is hard to ignore. Bringing all this to the song – and her training in Soul – to produce a stunning and assured performance. Shimmering, contrasting and emotive – a track that builds images and seems more familiar and relatable as time elapses. “Drink your wine” is an instruction that seems born of a sense of weariness and detachment. Maybe, in a relationship, there is a lack of communication and too much routine. Not expressing what we should and being closed-off at times. Whatever the true origin of the song; it is clear the lyrics emanate from a very personal place. Maybe Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson have been in relationships where there have been good and bad days. It is easy to judge from the outside but, in a way, it provides fresh perspective. One is not immersed in the thick of it so has a clearer head. To me, I got a window into a love that was going through the motions. Perhaps there are arguments and rough days but there is a lot of love too. I like how the song becomes very impassioned and dramatic. The composition rises and there are so many different colours emerging. There is tip-toeing and doors are being closed. It seems there is secretiveness and indiscretion – maybe not wanting to speak to their lover or hide something. The composition tosses some lighter beats and melting electronics. The textures change colour and the backdrop gets warmer and more varied. Hudson’s voice continues to impress and extract every ounce of emotion one could hope for.

As the song reaches it latter stages; Polar Eyes does not get any less intrigued and stunning. The composition is never flat and insipid – like so many Electronic tracks do – and has so many shades. The beats are tight and bubbling one moment; strident and causal in others. The electronics fizz and then vibrate; there are other elements that create all sorts of images and possibilities. Hudson allows her voice to sway and hover when needed: it gets tighter and more intense when she is in accusatory and defensive mode. It seems like there are secrets being kept. The heroine does not want to be in the thick of things and needs life to change. The bond is too unpredictable and it is causing problems. In all of this, there is sweetness and light. Hudson’s voice rises and shows its full array. One is impressed by its beauty and adaptability. She can be the girl the man wants but, it seems, there is blame on his side. Not fitting into his moulds is important. She is living her life and has ideals of how the relationship should be. Maybe Hudson is purely an outsider who is viewing things with her own perspective. Lyrics that talk of future houses and perceived lives suggest she is involved - maybe speaking from the viewpoint of the song’s heroine. It is interesting listening to the narrative and the kind of ideas expressed. By the end – when the electronics come down and there is that last roll of the dice – one sits back and comes to their own conclusion. Clearly, Polar Eyes is about the clashing personalities and unpredictable nature of love. I wonder how much of their own stories Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson brought to the song. One hears a very personal and meaningful performance from each. It is a marvellous and accomplished song from two artists, different in style, are perfect compatriots here.

I will end this now and look back at some points I raised earlier. Sounds of Polar Eyes were sampled from the bedroom of Laurel Laxxes; the song, Polar Eyes, looks at differences in relationships and the ways we look at one another. I am fascinated by the multi-purpose title and what it represented. The ‘Eyes’ part of the title is about us looking and, ‘Polar’, a mix of the cold and diverse. ‘Polarise’, if you compartmentalised and combined, seems to assess the song perfectly: the vast differences in emotions and complexities of a relationship. Regardless of what you take away from the title; the song itself is a stunning and revelatory one from Laurel Laxxes. He is a talent I am keen to follow and he (Nicholas Cummins) is adapting to like in the U.K. His adopted home is going to be a bit of an experience all round. I know, as he is studying right now, his mind will be immersed in discovery and music – if he gets a chance to explore the country, he will find new inspiration and motivation. I have mentioned cities like Manchester and London – both seem like places he could perform and feel very comfortable in. Angie Hudson, thousands of miles away, is in Australia and (is) resplendent and captivating. Her voice and music is sure to turn heads and, let’s hope, she has a chance to come to the U.K. soon. I would be reluctant to move from Byron Bay as it seems like somewhere one could feel relaxed in forever. It has enough opportunities and hotspots to keep her interested and she is close to some of the bigger cities in Australia. I am not sure whether the two will combine their voices in the future but it would be good to see. Hudson has her own releases – Laxxes here and busy studying – so maybe a physical collaboration might not be practical for now. I will end this by looking back at some of the points I raised earlier: Australia and its merits; collaborations and getting that right; making Electronic music more diverse and less commercial.

The nation of Australia has always been open to ridicule and close-the-knuckle judgement. We still have that idea of the country as being a little crude and simplistic. This is born from poor perceptions and naivety – a judgement one levies without visiting the nation. Get more involved with the people, history and music and one not only discovers friendly, warm and witty people – the culture there is exceptional. I bemoaned the fact journalists are ignoring their local talent and not pushing it out to the world. There is a stunning and full programme of music in Australia; some terrific artists and a market that is as diverse and stunning as any. I feel Australian music can match it with the U.S. and U.K. Whilst there are mainstream and huge stations in both nations – is this the case with Australia? I hear a lot of Australian music through shows like Neighbours but not as much via radio. It is a shame because there are wonderful bands and artists coming from the country. We hear Australian mainstream artists but not too many unsigned artists. The nation is a wonderful boiling pot for various sounds and genres. I would like to see the national media being more proactive and pushing its finest musicians to the world. Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson are two of the finest artists in the country at the moment. I hope both get proper exposure and a chance to get gigs/airplay around the world. Having Laurel Laxxes and Angie Hudson joining forces has been a wonderful realisation. I am not sure how they found one another but I am fascinated hearing them together. It seems like they of one mind when it comes to collaborations. I think a lot of artists toss an array of names into a song and it distills and pollutes a song. It can get very unfocused and one queries whether there is a lot of wasted talent in the mix. The best collaborations are usually between two people/artists and done for the right reasons.

Hearing two different artists blend on Polar Eyes means the song is richer than it might have been – was it a solo venture – but is a great showcase for both artists. I am interested in Laurel Laxxes and what course his career will take – whether he stays here or goes back to Australia. Angie Hudson is forging a promising career and has potential to record and succeed for many years. It seems natural they found one another but it is the fact Hudson brought her own ideas to the song that made it what it is. She, as an outsider, brought a fresh perspective to Polar Eyes. Both brought their personalities into the song and, as such, it is stronger for it. Were it just Laurel Laxxes, it might be crying out for that soulful and feminine vocal. It is a song slightly foreign to Hudson who tends to create music a little more soulful and acoustic. Between them; they have produced a track that adds something genuinely fresh to Electronic music. I feel both were aggravated by the fact Electronic music seems to be defined by thumping, bass-heavy bang. It does not need to be as unsophisticated and direct. Polar Eyes is a track with urgency but it is its coolness and allure that gets to me. Reminding me of the xx, in many ways, one gets something new and refreshing. There is compartmentalisation and divisions in the Electronic genre which seems a shame. Maybe there is too much commercialism and that needs reviewing. Let’s see whether that changes but, for now, I am delighted hearing people like Laurel Laxxes speak out and take action. With Angie Hudson; the duo has crafted a song that speaks volumes and will kick-start a new stage in both their careers. I do hope, when the dust clears, they will…