Pollyanna: Slime

June 24, 2022 Josh Custer

New Jersey punk band Pollyanna have released their new album “SLIME’ via I Surrender Records. With sounds of power-pop, loud rock, bubble grunge, and punk influences, their name is directly derived from the dictionary definition, “to be unreasonably or illogically optimistic” - perfectly describing front-person Jill Beckett’s ‘stuck in 2017’ incredibly optimistic attitude.

Kicking off the album with Pixie the listener is immediately thrust into a fast paced catchy anthem. Showcasing the band’s roots in high energy punk the track quickly will hook listeners into singing along with lead vocalist Jill Beckett.

SLUT is a powerful anthem about sexual freedom. The song focuses on the stigma around sex positivity and the social standards. This song is catchy as hell and brings a powerful message to the front of the conversation. The soundscape of this track is relaxed enough to allow the words to deliver their message, but dominate enough to get listeners moving and vibing with the energy.

Lush comes in next and continues the catchy nature of the album, the lyrics dance upon their delivery. Possibly one of the biggest sleeper tracks on the album this track is sure to grow with listeners and become a fan favorite.

Next up is Smile. This track is sure to resonate with any listeners that have battled with mental health as the lyrics will hit you with the realization that we have all felt this way. And even through everything we have been through “All I can do is smile”.

Mars comes in next and kicks the energy back up to 11. While the prior 2 tracks are perhaps are “more pop ready”, this track kicks you with that high speed punk driving guitars and lyrics.

In a complete changes of pace Pathetic comes in as a emotionally powerful acoustic track that allows the listener to experience the vulnerability of Jill. This track not only shows off the versatility of the band, but also the power and dynamics of Jill’s vocal abilities.

Brining the energy and angst back into the album is Okay. This track blends a variety of styles together to create a song that will make listeners want to scream the lyrics at anyone that doesn’t appreciate them.

Pasadena comes in next and is possibly one of the biggest throwback sounds on the album. The track will remind listeners of the late 90’s. This is a track that easily could have shown up in a sit-com show, or a rom-com movie.

Next is a track that everyone will be able to relate to, Relationship Anxiety. This track is easily one of the catchiest tracks on the album and is sure to find its way into everyone’s head, even days later catching yourself humming or singing it. The track tackles a very common issue when it comes to relationships, and that is the inability to balance your own needs and loving someone else.

Acid Song comes in next and again brings things back to the powerful punk vocals. Sonically the track is a trip, as you get a lot of open space and depth but also the feeling of bouncing off of walls as you jump around to the music.

Next is Jado, which brings back the power and dynamics of Jill’s voice. Another late 90’s vibe, but with modern production. The track is placed in a great position to start to ease the listener down from the adrenaline high they’ve been on through the album.

Closing out the album is who do you want me to be? this is the longest track on the album. And an incredible closing track. Slowing the pace down, but still delivering raw emotion and questioning a significant other/love interest about what they want. While it is obviously a song, it is also a letter and conversation that we have all had. Jill again shows a vulnerable side and unapologetically puts herself on display.

Slime Tracklist:

1. Pixie

2. SLUT

3. Lush

4. Smile

5. Mars

6. Pathetic

7. Okay.

8. Pasadena

9. Relationship Anxiety

10. Acid Song

11. Jado