The newest effort by hoi Polloi, Spin Me, rates as a solid album with a combination of deep lyrics, hard-hitting guitar work and the throaty vocals of Jenny Gullen. The tone of the album is best described as "gritty and tough" and for fans who eagerly awaited an album that captures more of the live sound of this group, this should be a keeper. For the newer fans or those looking for good rock, this album also manages to give a good introduction to the group's high energy, highly danceable style, and solid focus. This is an album that should please most rock fans while packing enough hop to be a good dance album as well. Stylistically the album alternates from fast, rocky song to slow ballads, while maintaining a folksy, introspective tone similar to some classic Margaret Becker.
In terms of lyrical content, one of the main strengths of Spin Me is the lyrical depth of virtually all the songs. These thought-provoking lyrics focus on God's desire to have a relationship with man, and the myriad ways in which mankind stumbles, strives, and struggles to respond in return. None of the lyrics on this album could be considered fluffy, and leave the listener thinking about life and choices long after the song is over. A good example of this is the title track, which involves the search for meaning and justice in a world filled with the "noise" of fashionable causes and a blur of movements with solutions that stand in contrast to the unshakable truth of the imminent return of Jesus as Judge, "Kingdom rise, kingdom fall, King coming to end it all, Play the part to fill the void, The beat goes in an endless noise." Several other tracks like "Lies in the Temple," "Love for the Living," and "Back to Zero" are equally as stark and point to the reality of our need for God in everything. The band carefully wove this theme throughout the album. They also prove that they have lost none of their ability to jam on songs like "Back to Zero" and the opener "Dance."
On the more "rocky-folk" side of the album, hoi Polloi has a fair number of ballads including a new version of the 60's hit "Turn, Turn, Turn" based on Ecclesiastes, which is a decent effort and managed to put a fresh spin on this classic rock song. Other melodious tracks like "Take Me Home," "Angel," and "Show Me" are some of the more introspective, folksy songs on the album, but hoi Polloi manages to deliver quality music with enough rock to keep you grooving long enough to listen and think.
With the strong lyrics, vocals, and tight music of Spin Me, hoi Polloi manages to combine some rock and "rocky-folk" tunes into a collection that's fresh and interesting to listen to.
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