Ryan Pollie - “On The Nose”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Father John Misty, Sufjan Stevens, Belle & Sebastian

Ryan Pollie’s sound is one that continues to evolve into sharper, more cinematic focus as last heard on 2021 record Stars. Pollie formerly recorded under the moniker Los Angeles Police Department, a more lo-fi and haunting collection, but what is the same is the LA-based artist’s tender songwriting grounded in realism. Stories of families and relationships anchor Stars, allowing more adventurous objectives play out instrumentally. Strings and horns accent Pollie’s music both in angles of beauty and sadness, a satisfyingly full sound, though rarely loud. At most, Pollie finds times of swing in rhythm that prevent Stars from falling into boredom. For a full left turn from there, Ryan Pollie just shared a new ‘record’ The Fridge, a loose, noise and ambient album seemingly inspired by the contents of his actual fridge (“Bread”, “Arugula”, “Flavors of Water”, etc.) and is accompanied by a short film. It sounds nothing like the detailed, lush landscapes of twee pop that came before, so fair to say The Fridge is a one-off project to let Pollie’s creative winds continue to soar. (Kevin McStravick)