The alternative rock band – formed in 2006 in Reykjavik, Iceland, then reformed in 2010 when Eksteen returned to South Africa – will finally release their debut album, Into the Burning Water, this year.
“We made our debut at the Lung-A festival in 2008 in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland,” said Eksteen.
“After seven years of exploring Icelandic culture and the music scene, I returned home and reformed the band with Mark Trafankowski and Alexia Cocolas.”
The trio was later joined by guitarist Gerhard van der Merwe.
The singer said the band’s musical influences ranged from Nine Inch Nails to Tori Amos to South Africa’s own kwaito music.
“For me, contrast has always been a strong element of inspiration,” she said.
“I love fusing together certain genres that would usually clash… shaping them into a signature sound [that stands out] from the mainstream sounds of today.”
Eksteen said the band had spent two years working hard to craft the album alongside a music video trilogy of their three singles, Drown in You, Deep End and Dose of My Dark Side.
“[We tackle] the states of consciousness and subconscious we go through when getting involved in emotional and difficult situations of everyday life,” she said.
“How we choose to deal with love, life or death, and whether or not we can let go of our emotional turmoil.”
Eksteen’s musical journey began with piano lessons at age six, before she moved on to classical and bass guitar.
From there, Eksteen explored electronic music like trip-hop, acid jazz and house, as well as hip-hop before she decided to form her signature sound, which led her to move to London and Reykjavik.
While in Iceland, Eksteen rubbed shoulders with legendary musicians like Jonsi of Sigur Ros, Sigtryggur Baldursson of The Sugarcubes, and Daniel Ágúst Haraldsson of Gus Gus.
“For now, releasing the album is our main objective. [We will get] our national touring going over the next year,” she said.
“We’re aiming high. We know it’s a tough industry to crack, but it’s worth all the blood, sweat and tears.”
Into the Burning Water is due for release in October.
Details: www.polardust.bandcamp.com
WATCH: Polar Dust – Drown in You:
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