Perth-originated, Melbourne-based Indie band Institut Polaire have a sound that has been described as ‘schizophrenic’. One listen of "Make Your Own Mayflower", from their album of the same name, explains why in the most succinct form.

Layered in the track’s sunny demeanour is the plethora of instruments, creative devices and talent that has been included by each of the band’s eight members. One would imagine that it would be hard to merge the creative visions of a band of this size, with the possibility for individual interests getting soiled in conflict. However this track bears no signs of animosity, disharmony or distress – quite the opposite actually.

The brass instruments in the track sound confident and happy to be around, the trumpet most pleased. Following on from his friends the bell and the guitars, the trumpet greets us into the song at the 5th bar of the intro - an unexpected but welcomed entry. After a few bars he then temporarily exits, so as not to steal any spotlight from the lyrics – a motif that continues for the rest of the song: trumpet, voice, trumpet, voice etc. (You get the point.)

The crescendoing guitar chords in the chorus are gorgeous - a perfect reflection of the track’s overall use of sunset-style chilled-out rifts, aptly complemented by the unmistakeable trills of a tambourine. To tie it up, these elements ride through lead vocalist Erik Hecht’s smooth vocals and a stream of melodic lyrics. 

This organically pretty track contains a dollop of 1960s country, and is iced with an irreplaceable sweetness. It’s well produced, tightly written and oozes colour – what more could you want? I dare you to ask, but be warned, “you’ll get no sympathy from me.”

Review Score: 8/10