Track Listing

1. Oh [Edit]
2. Gun
3. Believe
4. Polyesterday
5. Barry
6. Cold Breath '79
7. Why?
8. Remembrance
9. Is Jesus Your Pal?
10. Purple
11. Polybackwards

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #103158 in Music
• Released on: 1997-05-13
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Gus Gus create a multi-vibe stir with Polydistortion. At times as cold and icy as their frosty homeland (Iceland), at other times a rumbling volcano of pyrotechnic rhythms, the CD is a study in the dynamics of the electronic. Atmospheric without ever being boring, Gus Gus rely on soul-filled or breathy vocals to turn their compositions into some of the more interesting and accessible aural amalgamations ever committed to disc. "Believe" is a rhythmic juggernaut, while "Gun" is a moody study of beats and texture. "Why" is particularly stunning, a sparse torch song carried along by a Fender Rhodes-style piano line. More eclectic than electronica, Gus Gus make aural sculptures out of rhythm. --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews

ambience unmatched
the more i listen to this album, the more i absolutely love it. there is a certain innocent tone that engulfs the compositions, making this a highly complex, yet accessible work of art. gus gus were obviously noticed because of the hype that surrounded their friend and like-minded neighbor, bjork, but their talents deserve attention with or without her. this album, polydistortion, is an insanely addictive electronic masterpiece that jumps from one sub-genre to another by fusing each song structure's theme with tripped out electronics and lush, seductive, musically intelligent chord progressions and arrangements. While the songs with driving beats have brought about the most attention, I fell in love with the more ambient and sexy tracks like the unforgettable "why?". This song is a simple electronic piano and vocal arrangement that has soul just bursting out of the seams. Polyesterday is another favorite, featuring a very cool bassline and smart lyrics. Overall, the ambience of the record as a whole is unmatched by anything gus gus has done recently. (though i love 'this is normal', i feel polydistortion is superior in many respects.) for a truly significant electronic masterpiece of the 1990's, pick this beauty up.

This IS the better of their two albums,
I was really impressed with this album. I can't tell you how many times I passed it up at the store too, because I just wasn't sure. I've been burned many times in the past taking chances on bands I'd scarcely heard. I hit gold on this one. I cycled through all the tracks the first time I played it trying to not get my hopes up. I had actually purchased "this is normal" first. I like this album more. In fact I love this album. The song Polydistortion it's self is a total groove that will keep some part of you body moving it's entire 6+ min. length. Theres only really one track on here I pass, and thats track 5. The last track "purple" is an unbelievably beautiful techno song that has the ability to put you in the most peaceful state of mind. This is a great album.

WHAT WERE THESE GUYS SMOKING?
Cuz I want some of it too. What a delectably ambient album. "Blur" meets "Depeche Mode" meets "Moby" meets "U2" of yore. Very different, goovy numbers. Try Polyesterday for instance which more than any other showcases Gus Gus' mild penchant for the four-to-the-floor electronic pulse and their psych-pop beats. Fabulous stuff.