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Current mood:  vibrant
Wichita, KS | April, 2009
words: Troy Wells photo: Kevin Wildt
polarOPPOSITEbear. I hate writing their name out. It's damned obnoxious, but that’s what helps it to stick with you. As much as I am not amped on the spelling, the sound of this Wichita band is worth the eyestrain of reading their name.
POB, as I will call them from here on out, formed two years ago after frontman and lead guitarist Matthew Wiseman's previous act, Ricky Fitts, dissolved. Since its inception, POB has seen its lineup change a bit, but it seems to finally be solidified with the addition of NakedCity photographer Kevin Wildt on drums, Drew Harms on guitar and keys, and the unmistakable tone of Jesse Askren on bass. I've written a little about POB in the past, and they still sound like the bright green light shining in the darkest room. Soon to record a self-titled EP, POB is still as progressive as they are motivated. They are hustling hard and not looking to gather dust.
POB plays around Wichita constantly—always looking to play for different audiences and open everybody to what is going on in town. Wiseman can always be heard between songs making some odd joke, but most times is looking to evangelize the importance of Wichita’s music scene, encouraging it to come together, grow, and take care of touring bands that come through. Wiseman is sincere about band hospitality, which makes sense because POB find themselves on the road often. As I am sitting here typing this out, POB are in their van on their way to South by Southwest in Austin, Texas for a showcase for their label Exotic Fever.
POB’s sound is dark, full, and fluid. It’s pulsating, low-end post-punk with just enough allusions to other artists to show influence, but not enough to sound carbon copied. The energy in their sound moves from kinetic and concentrated to uncontrollable and spastic.
With each practice, show, and song, POB is honing a distinct sound and presence. Their cohesion as a unit with obvious lead from Wiseman points to a hopefulness for longevity, youthfulness, and passion. POB is getting to it, working hard, and pushing to be something more than just another amateur band playing here and there, whose aspirations are bigger than their efforts. Looking to do things on their terms and bucking the system is the name of the game.
I may sound biased, but what I've seen and continue to see from POB gives me pause. They are another great example of artistry, effort, and passion in Wichita and are looking to take that to their community and others on the road.
 | Currently listening:
Bromst
By Dan Deacon
Release date: 2009-03-24 |
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8:17 PM
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