Just because you've never heard a band's name before doesn't mean they have released little to nothing. The British band Poly-Math is a good example of this. They have released four albums in the past without my knowledge. It wasn't until their fifth and recently released album Something Deeply Hidden that they crossed my path. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it was released by The Laser's Edge, which specializes primarily in the progressive rock genre. Naturally, I am glad they brought this album to my attention, as it is certainly a strong instrumental album that will definitely appeal to readers of our website. I will tell you why I can recommend this album. As mentioned before Something Deeply Hidden is the fifth studio album by UK instrumental prog/math-rock band Poly-Math. The album title and track names are inspired by theoretical physicist Sean Carroll's book on quantum mechanics. The album leans heavily into vintage progressive rock, abstract polyrhythms, and Ethio-jazz. Marking a more dynamic, groove-driven shift away from their previously heavy sound which can be found on their earlier releases as I found after listening to their older material. The Brighton and London-based quartet—guitarist Tim Walters, bassist Joe Branton, drummer Chris Woollison, and keyboardist Josh Gesner—co-produced the 7-track record. By tracking most of the album individually in home studios, the band was able to focus on tone, intricate improvisation, and expansive percussion. On Something Deeply Hidden you will hear masterful interplay of complex, interlocking rhythms and its warm, chameleonic musicianship. The absence of a saxophone, which was featured on their previous album, Zenith is noted as tightening the band's focus. Even thought the music is difficult to label you might say that on the seven instrumental tracks you could hear influences taken from acts such as King Crimson, Dream Theater, Mulatu Astatke, Liquid Tension Experiment, The Mars Volta, Juan Alderete, Ill Considered, Dysrhythmia, and Ukandanz. Mentioning any highlight tracks is not very easy because everything is of the same high level. Maybe The Universe As An Engine and Terror Management Theory for their sci-fi character, infectious bass grooves, and vibrant synthesizer work. Or Everything Is Noise which highlight the tasteful introduction of Ethiopian jazz, adding an expansive, historically rich flavour. Overall, the album is celebrated for bridging the gap between smooth jazz fusion and technical prog without becoming self-indulgent or losing its emotional core. To be mentioned as well is the rhythmic mastery on the entire album. The album is fuelled by incredibly dense polyrhythms, intricate conga and bongo percussion, and a chameleonic shift in time signatures. Also the salsa grooves, and cinematic textures are worth mentioning. The lack of a primary vocalist is not a problem for the band because the songs are exciting enough alone. Worth mentioning is the album artwork which includes a series of abstract expressionist oil on canvas paintings by guitarist Tim Walters. If you enjoy precisely played math-rock compositions with odd time signatures and interwoven themes you should check out Something Deeply Hidden as soon as possible. The moods of the compositions, or rather the individual themes, alternate between rock-infused aggression and jazzy-rock relaxation. Something Deeply Hidden is recommended for fans of mostly fast-paced, instrumental math rock, which alternately evokes the spirits of prog metal, King Crimson, post-rock, and jazz-rock. Those interested in music exploring spacetime and quantum mechanics should also give it a listen. I certainly loved it all the way. Maybe you should also because Poly-Math certainly released something special! **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
