Shaky Knees Artist Spotlight ::: Polyenso

 

With plenty more to come to bring you everything you need to know to prepare yourself for May's Shaky Knees Music Festival. Take another look at that beautiful lineup. Now flow all the way towards the bottom and you'll find our first band you ought to know, Polyenso.

Initially making their musical debut as the post-hardcore band Oceana, this trio from St. Petersburg, Florida decided to take a lighter, more uplifting approach musically. The result? Polyenso, a fusion of indie rock, neo soul, electronic, folk and hip hop. Consisting of Brennan Taulbee (lead vocals, keyboards), Alexander Schultz (vocals, multi-instrumental), and Denny Agosta (percussionist) this threesome isn't defined by their listed instruments, incorporating synth, pianos, horns, guitars, and organic objects including wooden bowls, spatulas, and even packing peanuts to find the right texture. 

The group lends it's inspiration to bands like Flying Lotus, The Roots, Bright Eyes, and Bjork. We originally happened upon Polyenso in early 2013 soon after the release of "On Big Particular Loop" which, rightfully so, developed a cult following. With their debut the group quickly drew comparisons to Radiohead  in our minds. A combination of similarities between Taulbee's elongated, mumblish voice to that of Thom Yorke's and their use of synth, percussion, and horn led us to this association. Though "One Big Particular Loop" has many examples to illustrate this point, 'Falling in Rain' may be the best example of the parallels in sound. 

Since their debut they have followed up with last year's four song "EP 1"with a slightly poppy/soulful sound and a noticeable lack of horn. The group announced today the release date to their sophomore album "Pure in the Plastic" will be April 1st, just in time to ingest before their Shaky Knees performance! The members of Polyenso are not new to Atlanta. After funding their first album through kickstarter, they came to the Empire of the South's Glow In the Dark Studios to record with Matt Goldman.

Similar Artists ::: Radiohead, HRVD, Psychic Bable, As Tall As Lions, Bjork, Grizzly Bear, Burial
Live Grade ::: N/A (The one time we've seen them come through ATL, the YOTHT fam was in a wedding)
Essential Tracks ::: Push, Falling in Rain, 17 Years, ((O.B.P.L.
Connect with the Polyenso ::: Facebook : Twitter : Instagram : BandCamp : Tumblr

What are your thoughts on Polyenso and our take on the up and comers? Let us know.