The first official solo album from Years & Years lead singer Olly Alexander is, as expected, another vibrant expression of queer identity, building on his work from 2022’s ‘Night Call’, the trio's final release. This loosely themed album takes its name from a 19th-century coded language used by gay men, encapsulating a blend of hidden homosexuality with an ‘80s Pet Shop Boys-inspired synth-driven style and the signature crystalline electropop that Years & Years is known for. The album presents snapshots of sexual tension, cruising, closeted ‘down-low’ men, desire, ecstasy, and intimacy. Yet amid the gritty undercurrents of this nostalgic aesthetic (evident in the suggestive ‘Shadow of Love’), there are recurring elements of Olly’s past upbeat, metallic alt-pop (like the Danny L Harle-produced ‘Archangel’), culminating in a timeless, carefree mosaic – a contrast particularly illustrated by the fusion of crunchy synthpop and sweet dance vibes in ‘Make Me A Man’. Except for the overly polished, Scandipop-influenced ‘Dizzy’ (the single that represents the UK’s entry for the 2024 Eurovision with no points), what stands out about ‘Polari’ is that Olly’s love for alternative electronic extravagance – a style established with his previous group – remains intact: as seen in the avant-garde chamber pop essence of the title track; the edgy, energetic ‘MYSM’ with its kazoo-like bridge; the playful satire of ‘I Know’; or the dreamy love ballad ‘Heal You’, which shines against its erratic, guttural synth backdrop. ‘Polari’ is a brilliant piece of punchy alt-pop that celebrates the resilient and enduring histories of the queer community, showcasing Olly Alexander’s captivating and knowledgeable artistry as a solo artist.
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Not unexpectedly, another remarkable achievement in queer expression.