The High Water Marks: Polar

Sounding off the top like a mix of XTC and Dinosaur Jr., The High Water Marks earn high marks for the title track as it flows like a power pop b-side from The New Pornographers. The song could be mistaken for two glorious tunes mixed into one but it still works. The same flavor is oozing out of the delectable “Poison Remedy” which almost coaxes you to get up and dance. “The Leaves” leaves a bit more to be desired with the shimmering, sunny California pop being the foundation of this ditty. The record also has a healthy amount of girl group pop in the vein of The Blake Babies as is the case during “Song For Emigrants” and the tender “Finding Clovers”. The airy pop feeling also lingers on “Early Fall” with its Matthew Sweet sweetness. Other highlights by The High Water Marks is the simple and elegant “Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy” but they definitely let their rock chops show on the edgier “Dutch Tape” that sounds like Sloan with Patrick Pentland fronting the group.