Pol Sembrano consumes with a self-titled synth-pop success of an album, seamlessly balancing hooky immediacy and emotional depth. The Seattle-based Filipino-American artist impresses with a sound that blends a love for 80s-inspired earworms with a myriad of themes. Produced by Casey Lewis, the record pairs Pet Shop Boys-esque hooks with a vulnerable, club-ready danceability that celebrates radical acceptance.
“My self-titled debut album is lyrically written from personal experience,” Pol Sembrano says. “Themes include the joy of escapism, isolation, unrequited love, death and hope. Musically, the songs are melodic, hook driven, danceable and thought-provoking. Listeners may be able to connect with the music and apply it to their personal lives.”
Opening the album, “Open Mind” quickly reveals a knack for both synth-charged melodic power and memorable vocal introspection. “Living in a world where nothing’s clear,” the vocals open with relatable, sympathetic allure — referring to living in a tumult-filled society as a “cross to bear.” The “leave them all behind” beckoning invigorates in its cathartic, reassuring vigor — encouraging to embrace new things and people, rather than wallowing with doubters and energy sappers. The ensuing “Anywhere” dazzles with its arp-y synth ardor as well, its single mix catching our ears last year, when we chatted with Pol Sembrano about his creative process, lyricism, and beyond.
Achieving a lusher synth-set appeal, “Number” melds glistening synths, sturdy bass pulses, and vibrant keys amidst emotively magnetic vocals — fondly resembling Pet Shop Boys in its serene yet hooky glow. “Now I’m hearing things, when I thought I heard your call,” the vocals let out with particular yearning, capturing both the isolation and unrequited love themes referenced earlier. Elsewhere, “Why On Earth” also achieves an effervescent amiability, this time capturing themes of hope — despite rain often coming on when one hopes for sunshine. “If I tell you what I feel inside, you will notice the tears that I can’t hide,” the vocals let out with vulnerable enthrallment, pushing into a blissfully melodic consistency thereafter. Self-Titled is a fantastic output from Pol Sembrano, succeeding with its harmonious synth-pop range of both grim introspection and warming reassurance.
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“Number” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
