Review by Dom Vigil
If Year Of The Dog is any indication of where Polyenso are headed sonically, then 2019 promises to be one hell of a year for the Florida-based three piece. By seamlessly blending electronic and cinematic elements with their organic instrumentation, Polyenso have created a lush soundscape on Year Of The Dog that makes the four song EP feel more like a full-length.
Kicking off Year Of The Dog is the beautiful “Neon Mirror.” While the song is a bit simplistic on the surface, especially compared to some of Polyeno’s older material, it is filled out by intricate instrumentals and emotionally, it feels very raw and personal in the repeated line, “I can’t live without you now.” While “Neon Mirror” finds the perfect balance between massive and simplistic, “Bastard” is slower, groovier and a bit more stripped down until its chorus kicks in. Fun percussion keeps the otherwise mellow “Bastard” moving forward with ease while smooth vocals contrast wonderfully. Uplifting and inspirational, “Bastard” is filled with drive, desire and perseverance.
Balancing out Year Of The Dog is the stunning yet somber feeling “Happy.” While the uplifting “Bastard” will have you bobbing your head and singing along with warm tones and horns, “Happy” is driven by deep synth and emotional vocals. Rounding out the EP is “I Go You Go,” carried by stunning vocals and a very airy tone that’ll leave you longing for more.
The four songs on Year Of The Dog are massive, soulful and incredibly soothing, making for a refreshing listen.Year Of The Dog has a little bit of everything, both sonically and lyrically – it’s personal, political and hopeful. Although it is a rather short release, it still feels fulfilling by the time it comes to an end, and opens the door to new possibilities when it comes to new music from Polyenso.
LISTEN TO: “Bastard”
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