Polyenso - One Big Particular Loop (OBPL)

Change, in and of itself is uncomfortable, not to mention rooted in the chaos that precedes it. In turn, most bands tend to find a formula that works, and stick with it for the duration of their careers. That said, every so often we are fortunate enough to witness the true transformation of a band, but seldom so extreme as in the case of Polyenso. Originally named Oceana, the band has gone over several major changes during its 8 years of existence, including breaking up, reuniting, releasing an acclaimed indie rock record (Clean Head), ditching their name in favor of Polyenso, and finally, in 2013, crowdfunding their debut as Polyenso, One Big Particular Loop (OBPL), on Kickstarter.

It should also be noted that in the midst of all of this, the band undertook a radical genre shift. Having started off as a run-of-the-mill metalcore band, they moved to brooding post-hardcore before splitting up, then reunited as a mathy indie rock band, and finally along with the name change, made a final shift towards the densely layered amalgam of jazz, folk, and indie rock that is OBPL.


So, a pretty busy few years right? Frankly, I would forgive anyone for assuming that OBPL came out a downright mess. Thing is, though, it’s not. Less than a minute into the title track “((O.B.P.L.” any preconceived notions one might harbor will disappear as the looping beats and the almost creamy trumpet lines interplay with Brennan Taulbee’s vocals.

Rather than focus on my individual favorites from OBPL, I’d like to approach my feelings from a holistic perspective. The mix is warm and dense, and each song features a varying set of textures that are best described as seductive, self-aware, and full of deep-seated emotion. I would argue that expansive range of melodies and ambient sound are what make OBPL shine. It seems that each and every instrument and line was tracked with the intent of creating a seamless experience. Judging the record on its individual parts would almost be insulting, seeing as nothing about it is overtly flashy. There is almost no virtuosity on the record. Nothing stands out, in the best of ways. OBPL is best described as an exercise in restraint and teamwork; it’s as much about what you hear as what isn’t played at all.

This is why, in my opinion, OBPL is destined to become a hallmark album, if not for the genre, then at least for any band looking to evolve. A plethora of influences and emotions are displayed in every aspect of this record. Polyenso clearly spent time refining and combing through each track – nothing sounds forced or contrived. It shows. Few bands ever achieve the level of understated complexity found in OBPL’s organic soundscapes.

Below is one of the more mainstream tracks from OBPL, “Push”.

Regardless of musical taste, you should give One Big Particular Loop a listen. If not for yourself, then at least to bear witness to how change can catalyze something beautiful.