Producer/songwriter Felix Bergman records and performs as Polarizado. The music is best described as "Cult Americana". Accompanying half-spoken, low-octave vocals, Polarizado's sound is derived from the driving syncopations of drum kit and percussion, tremolo guitar, insistent bass lines, and high lonesome steel guitar, with a healthy dose of echo, feedback, and lofi tape warble.
After years of singing and playing guitar, bass, keys, and trumpet with all kinds of bands (from Blues to Hardcore Punk, Latin Jazz, Glam Rock, etc) in his hometown of Oakland, Felix came to Austin. He was inspired by the native Texan sounds of Outlaw Country, Tex Mex, and Western Swing as well as the overtly experimental spirit and musical history of the area. Polarizado was created to reflect these styles in a surreal, funhouse mirror kind of way.
Polarizado’s latest single, “Pagan Love Call” comes out March 15, 2024.
Lyrically, the song is loosely inspired by a short story of fellow Oakland native Jack London, “An Odyssey of the North”, as well as the true story of Drop City, Colorado, the first 1960’s rural commune. Sonically, “Pagan Love Call" draws upon 60’s New Orleans soul, 70's Southern rock, and 90’s “Madchester” attitude.
This track is the first of many singles to be released this year. The new songs were recorded in Austin with Louie Lino (Nada Surf) and Mark Henne (Alejandro Escovedo band).
The release party for “Pagan Love Call” will be at The Far Out Lounge March 26.