Review
Crossroads, Middletown was created to fulfil every interpretation imaginable, so I can hardly get it wrong. If you stripped away the vocals for 'Settle Down' it sounds like Craig David has taken a trip to Texas and taken on the influences, banjos, folk life and decided to remix his songs with a country twang. But by adding Fabien back into the equation this song is by no means a joke, it's a well constructed musical journey of dusty settings and spectacular views. 'Fallen Angels' is by far my favourite track on this EP. Not only does it have a deep meaning behind the lyrics, the music is spell binding and takes you by the wings up into the darkness of above. This record is truly deserving of a pat on the back, Fabien's ear for music is transformed into beautiful songs with heart felt story's behind each and every one. This doesn't just create a good listen but also creates a connection to the artist and this bond will make you a fan for life. Beckie A The-Mag --http://www.the-mag.me.uk/Articles/Fabien-Polair-Crossroads,-Middletown-Sample-EP/
Fabien Polair returns with an amazingly enchanting, and undeniably elegant album. If you haven't heard anything by Fabien Polair yet, then you are surely missing out on something magical. He is an artist with a very raw and passionate talent, and he expresses emotions perfectly through his music, which is something that very few musicians tend to achieve. Fabien Polair has returned with a new album titled 'Crossroads, Middletown', and it houses fourteen of the most fabulous tracks. Followers of Fabien Polair's music may think that 'Crossroads, Middletown' is his own personal reaction to his previous album, 'Circumstances of the Present World', which is fairly politically focused and contrasting in themes and sounds compared to his latest effort, but it's simply the work of a musician who is free to follow his moods and inspiration, whatever the consequences and wherever they may lead. Track five of the album, 'Caught In The Monotony', is particularly worth noting for the beautiful harmonica melodies. It is rare for a musician to use a harmonica for more than a brief flirtation in a song, however Polair makes it sing and the sound is so rich and vibrant that one almost wouldn't mind hearing the pure instrumental part of the track by itself. The ballads are soothing whilst tracks such as 'Tragi-Comic Girl' and 'Teenage Years' provide a slightly more pop and light-hearted feel. The graceful tones of Fabien Polair's voice are quite simply put, intoxicating. This album really grows on you the more that you listen to it, there is an instant attraction that builds until before you know it - you've placed it amongst your favourite albums. 'Crossroads, Middletown' is a delicate mix of easy listening and folk, yet it doesn't flow as a paint by numbers album, it is far too soft and charming to be that straight forward. Fabien Polair will be performing throughout Europe during 2008, it would be a complete delight to see him live, and I for one am eagerly awaiting his next move. Goldie Stewart Subba-Cultcha --http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article_album.php?id=6947
Fabien Polair returns with an amazingly enchanting, and undeniably elegant album. If you haven't heard anything by Fabien Polair yet, then you are surely missing out on something magical. He is an artist with a very raw and passionate talent, and he expresses emotions perfectly through his music, which is something that very few musicians tend to achieve. Fabien Polair has returned with a new album titled 'Crossroads, Middletown', and it houses fourteen of the most fabulous tracks. Followers of Fabien Polair's music may think that 'Crossroads, Middletown' is his own personal reaction to his previous album, 'Circumstances of the Present World', which is fairly politically focused and contrasting in themes and sounds compared to his latest effort, but it's simply the work of a musician who is free to follow his moods and inspiration, whatever the consequences and wherever they may lead. Track five of the album, 'Caught In The Monotony', is particularly worth noting for the beautiful harmonica melodies. It is rare for a musician to use a harmonica for more than a brief flirtation in a song, however Polair makes it sing and the sound is so rich and vibrant that one almost wouldn't mind hearing the pure instrumental part of the track by itself. The ballads are soothing whilst tracks such as 'Tragi-Comic Girl' and 'Teenage Years' provide a slightly more pop and light-hearted feel. The graceful tones of Fabien Polair's voice are quite simply put, intoxicating. This album really grows on you the more that you listen to it, there is an instant attraction that builds until before you know it - you've placed it amongst your favourite albums. 'Crossroads, Middletown' is a delicate mix of easy listening and folk, yet it doesn't flow as a paint by numbers album, it is far too soft and charming to be that straight forward. Fabien Polair will be performing throughout Europe during 2008, it would be a complete delight to see him live, and I for one am eagerly awaiting his next move. Goldie Stewart Subba-Cultcha --http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article_album.php?id=6947
CD Description
Some may think Crossroads, Middletown is Fabien Polair's reaction to his previous album Circumstances of the Present World but it s simply the work of a musician free to follow his moods and inspiration, wherever they may take him. Crossroads mix of pop and folk songs is surely contrasting with the themes and sounds of Circumstances, but the aim remains the same: write and record melodic songs anyone can relate to. With the addition of roots instruments like pedal steel, acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, banjo, mellotron, accordeon, glockenspiel, rhodes or cello, Fabien Polair delivered an album accessible to everyone.
About the Artist
Fabien Polair earned his spurs in various musical structures through the nineties, in bands like UNaware or Hipshake influenced by the noisy pop of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and The Pixies and by the rising brit pop sound of Oasis and Radiohead. After more than a hundred gigs including support slots with The Wedding Present and Th Faith Healers and sell-out gigs at The Brixton Telegraph, The Pleasure Unit and the Hope and Anchor, he moved to London -where he still lives- to work on various solo projects including Crossroads, Middletown and the score to the short film Le Dernier Voyage.
