MEAWW's Basement Tapes: Polartropica blends dreamy synth-rock with stories of queer Asian-American experience
Polartropica has released their debut album 'Dreams Come True' and for the artist, that's more than just a title.
Born in Taiwan, raised in California, and based in Los Angeles, Polartropica, whose real name is Ihui (eeway) Cherise Wu, has definitely seen a lot the world has to offer. As a queer Asian-American, Wu has also experienced the world through a very unique perspective.
And that probably explains why Wu's brand of synth-pop and rock has such a unique sound. The singer-songwriter blends more familiar pop melodies with futuristic synths, classical string arrangements, and fantasy dream rock, and weaves in tales of people, animals, world news, and their own experiences of being from a marginalized intersection of society.
As such, 'Dreams Come True' is a sonic manifestation of Wu's own worldviews. It's a kaleidoscopic ride that makes the world seem like a magical, rose-colored dream, creating an alternative universe that listeners find themselves slipping into. It feels a lot like Alice falling straight into Wonderland.
Speaking about the process of creating the album, Wu says, "I wanted to create a healing, inspiring and empowering space with just the right amount of disco-party!" And with this album, Wu certainly manages to accomplish just that. It's a strange concoction of opposing styles that somehow manage to work in perfect harmony.
Opening track 'In Another Life' narrates what love, at first sight, can feel like, detailing how similar it can be to deja vu, a dream, or perhaps a feeling like you've known someone in a previous life. Wu's vocals glide effortlessly over a very chill, laid back beat, really making you feel like you're going on this journey with the singer.
The music video for the song is equally mesmerizing, and Wu makes sure it is an inclusive and representative space. It's a peaceful exploration of a blossoming romance that gives you a sense of yearning that perhaps, in another life, the world could be as accepting as the one Wu creates for us.
'Crystal Ramen' is a beautifully experimental track that combines bits and pieces from different genres across different eras, but still manages to tell a coherent story — one that delves into the pain of seeing a once warm and loving relationship dissolve into something toxic.
Wu demonstrates a gorgeous ability to adapt the unique, quirky sound that runs through the album to match different themes, from darker ones like 'Crystal Ramen' to romantic tracks like 'In Another Life', to more upbeat dance tracks like 'Golden Soul'.
'Can't Hold Us Back' once again carries a darker theme of facing oppression head-on, but it is told through the lens of a fighter, one who is empowered by love.
This message ties in nicely with another track titled 'Solidarity', which drives home the importance of listening and supporting one another. And once again, it's all told through a dreamy synth-pop fest.
For Wu, 'Dreams Come True' seems to be a realization of the dream that is 'Polartropica', but it also serves as an escape from reality for anyone in desperate need of a break. And for most of us, this release could not have come at a better time.
Listen to 'Dreams Come True' HERE. Listen to or order Polartropica's music HERE.
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'MEAWW's Basement Tapes' is a weekly column that shines a spotlight on undiscovered/underrated musical gems.