Polara Blends the Sweet, Soulful

If the idea of an American Noel Gallagher or perhaps a second Billy Corgan is enticing to you, keep an ear out for Ed Ackerson, the leader of a band whose wonderfully appealing indie debut in 1995, “Polara,” exhibited the solid songwriting craft that marked the Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter as someone who could step up to those artists’ heights.

Polara blended sweet melodies and soulful introspection so well in that album (on Clean Records) that powerhouse Interscope Records has picked up the group’s contract and released this four-song EP to help build an audience for the new album, which is due in the spring.

Serving that purpose by breaking into the Top 10 on college and alternative-rock radio playlists around the country, the music filters ‘90s sensibilities with all sorts of classic rock elements--from Beatles and Stones to R.E.M.--in the manner of Oasis and the Smashing Pumpkins.

From the melancholy title track (which is offered on the disc in two different versions) to the sassy, self-affirming “Light the Fuse and Run,” Polara serves warning in this EP that it has the vision and command to be a major player.

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