Hoi Polloi was an early 90s alt-rock band hailing out of New Zealand. They had a raw sound, unique pop with an uncanny edge. Balancing their mix required just the right amount of engineering. That touch of production, as demonstrated here, reveals just how good this band could be. Their self-titled debut before it, in 1992, lacked this, while their follow-up, Happy Ever After (1995), might be a tad overdone instead. Spin Me is cohesive, but without redundancy. It is the last album featuring all four of their original members.

What made the band obviously standout was their lead singer, Jenny Gullen. Together with her bassist husband, they crafted some infectious songs. The basslines are funky, the guitar chords thriving with reverb, and the percussion lively. Gullen has an unusual rasp for a female vocalist, tending to polarize listeners; you either appreciated the fuzziness or could do without it. Her band is solid, but it is the one fronting them that makes this group special. She sounded like a straining Davia from Dakota Motor Co., or an edgy Leigh Nash from Sixpence None the Richer, or Tiffany Arbuckle from Plumb.

The songs "Dance," "Angel," "Lie in the Temple," and "Spin Me" are upbeat jams with just the right amount of both dance and funk aspirations; for those not akin to full-body participation, they are certainly toe-tappers to say the least. "Back to Zero" and "Take Me Home" are unpredictably moody, yet hopeful ballads. "Love Shine Down" is almost worshipful, and The Byrds' remake, "Turn! Turn! Turn!," is noteworthy as well. Their lyrics are not preachy, but certainly positive. However, the ballad "Show Me" really drags and reminds me of their first ill-produced album.

This is fun alt-pop album, not trite or silly, and sorely missing from CCM at the time. Gullen was also a joy to watch in concert, commanding stage presence and thoroughly enjoying herself always. She was entertaining and didn't take herself too seriously, something teens from the time could identify with. Her growly b-bop simply provided for a cool listen. This was great campus rock, especially with those not quite comfortable with the punk scene.

JFH Reader Review: written by Derek Lehman, 12/6/22, for Jesusfreakhideout.com