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Poly-Math — Zenith
(Bandcamp Nice Weather for Airstrikes NWFA23, 2022, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-02-02

With a name like Poly-Math, most listeners would probably be able to guess at least in a general way what kind of music is going to be involved. This is powerful, energetic rock played in a wide range of meters, and the most useful references are King Crimson (80s-90s) and The Mars Volta, though Zenith is entirely instrumental. Poly-Math started as a trio back in 2012 with Timothy Walters (guitars), Chris Woollison (drums), and Joseph Branton (bass), and they later added keyboards (Josh Gesner). Now for the newest version of the group they’ve recruited saxophonist Chris Olsen, and the result is a full sound with lots of sonic possibilities. To my ears, many math-rock bands suffer from a lack of melodic instruments, so this expansion of Poly-Math is welcome. The album contains eight tracks of moderate length, with only three slipping over the five-minute mark, and most of them are chock full of energy. There are a few moments of respite, most notably on “Mora,” where the opening is atmospheric and they build up to a dramatic climax with hints of classic surf rock. The other tracks at times feature jarring dissonant lines reminiscent of THRAK contrasted by fast riffs that recall Frances the Mute — with the added bonus of some really great blowing on the sax. Olsen’s soaring lines complement Walters’ guitar nicely, sometimes in near-unison, sometimes in twining harmonies. Gesner’s keys are often gritty and on the edge of madness. And the Woolison / Branton rhythm section is fierce and ridiculously tight. Zenith shows Poly-Math to be in the very top rank of math-rock bands, with a sound that should appeal to listeners in the avant-prog camp as well.

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Filed under: New releases, 2022 releases

Related artist(s): Poly-Math

More info
http://wearepolymath.bandcamp.com/album/zenith

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