REVIEW: Poly-Math – ‘Melencolia’

poly-math

Artist: Poly-Math
Album: Melencolia
Genre: Post-Rock, Math

I have always found it difficult to assess deep work, so when given the chance to listen to Poly-Math‘s new album, Melencolia, the three-track, near-thirty-five-minute epic seemed like a daunting task. But, once fully embraced by the tantalizing musicianship, Poly-Math made the journey that of a breeze.

Opener and title track “Melencolia” drives the listener through fourteen minutes of ambiance, urgency, and beauty. Beginning with eerie noises into loud outburst, the groove in the middle finds the listener peace as more sounds begin to layer on top of the ever-growing palate. Haunting sounds complement the thundering atmosphere greeted by the percussion and bass. The sparsity of the construction of the tracks give the guitars room to take on many forms, and within mere minutes, Poly-Math have you banging your head, swaying, swooning, and contemplating, creating a headrush of emotion you may not be ready for.

“Ekerot” continues the urgency from before, but adds more grooves to the mix. Creating more room for the bass to be in the forefront, guitars ebb in the background as the bass and drums sync up to pulsating moments. Ending with an ever-growing breakdown, “Ekerot” brings the noise as “Melencolia” sets the tone of the work.

Closer, “Temptation of the Idler,” showcases Poly-Math’s “math” ability, as they swirl through odd time signatures, with hissing guitars and bass. Still giving the listener room to breathe, Poly-Math construct their ten-plus-minute epics with care, as to be sure the listener is able to keep up, and experience the full journey of the worlds they create.

The issue with releases like this is that they tend to remain static, and alienate listeners from different worlds. Melencolia surely isn’t a release to bring fans into the post-rock world, but it is sure to please those already living in it. While similar for the bulk of the release, Poly-Math are able to create vivid layers of sounds, and push out a lot of content for thirty-five minutes, even if the time needed may exceed pleasure and blend into a chore for some.

SCORE: 8/10

Drew Caruso
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