POLUTION – Power rock and more
«Beyond Control», the latest CD from Swiss rock group POLUTION, is a 12-track comprehensive album combining all the attributes of Swiss quality: creativity, precision, reliability and variety. But POLUTION, a band that hails from mystical and raw Muota Valley in the heart of Switzerland, are smart enough to have taken these qualities to another level for «Beyond Control». They make use of four decades’ worth of rock music history and cram a hearty portion of wit into the arrangements and lyrics.
Most importantly, POLUTION remain true to themselves. You just have to chat with the five musicians for their music to start playing as an imaginary soundtrack in your head. It doesn’t get more authentic than that, which is precisely what makes the quintet just as nice as admirable. A world away from (rock) airs and graces and with an impressive grip on reality, POLUTION have been letting their power rock loose on national and international stages since 2008. That was the year in which their debut album «Overheated» was released, produced by Tommy Vetterli (Coroner, Kreator, etc.), and it was that offering and the group’s solid and strong live performances which proved to be decisive in POLUTION being booked for gigs worldwide.
They found themselves playing on the same stage as Krokus, Shakra, Threshold and The New Black, and toured across Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy and the Czech Republic. The four years since «Overheated» was released practically worldwide have left their mark on the band in a positive sense. Their live performances have become even stronger, and although their songwriting is less playful now, its quality has improved enormously. Despite everything, the five of them have stayed true to their ideology and musical goals. POLUTION have bravely defied the temptations and dangers of the rock business. They concentrate much more on their work in the studio, in the rehearsal room and, above all, on stage. «Most importantly we have fun with it», say the musicians. Nevertheless, POLUTION have invested a great deal to fulfil the high expectations that they have set for themselves.
With «Beyond Control», POLUTION have succeeded in making a more compact, more mature and really more varied CD compared to their first album «Overheated». Together with the powerful songs, some of which have an immediate sing-along or catchy quality, it is above all the sound, the groove and ultimately – as well as the rock voice of singer Pascal Gwerder – the solid craft of the instrumentalists that are captivating.
The musicians’ roots hold the key to the band being able to play this thoroughly honest and powerful type of rock‘n’roll. Muota Valley, with its wonderful rawness, fascinating karst terrain, Switzerland’s only primeval forest, and widely scattered Alpine farms, is just as unique as its population. Muota locals know what they want and, more importantly, what they don’t.
POLUTION’s power rock sounds just as self-confident and resolute, and anyone who wants to see the five musicians perform live shouldn’t miss it for the world. Until then, listening to «Beyond Control» is an absolute must. The twelve tracks are a fine piece of rock‘n’roll for purists but also for friends of genuinely uncompromising rock grooves.
Written by Roger Bürgler
Line up:
Pascal Gwerder, Vocals
Marcel Betschart, Leadguitar
Thisi Betschart, Rhythmguitar
Andreas Betschart, Bass
Armin Betschart, Drums
