Polyethylene is a polymerized ethylene resin, used especially for containers, kitchenware and tubing, or in the form of films and sheets for packaging. Most people are probably unaware of the complete definition of polyethylene, but probably even fewer are aware that there is also a band by the same name.
Polyethylene, hailing from Charlestown, Mass., is centered on the Boston indie rock scene. Like all indie bands, Radiohead features prominently amongst its list of influences, with Mogwai and the Pixies also being cited. The trio, which has been performing since 2002, consists of Neal Ellis on guitar, bass and vocals, Elena Proakis on bass, guitar and vocals, and Richard Reed on drums.
With “Paper or Plastic,” the band’s only recording since its EP, the band attempts to step out of the shadows. On its current route however, its emergence into mainstream popularity seems unlikely, not because it defies the standards with any sort of creativity, but for a far worse reason: its lack of creativity.
Not that the band sounds bad, by any means. On the contrary, where the band works a soothing, warm sound makes it a favorable listen. More often, however, the music doesn’t work, and comes across as dull, simple music, without any sort of uniqueness to give it merit.
Either way, unfortunately, its songs are very forgettable, coming in one ear and out the next. Its lack of musical skill becomes evident very early with its overuse of simple repetitions and the almost complete absence of anything from the drummer.
The band does, however, have some strengths. The lyrics, written by Proakis and Ellis, are simple and fit the music well, occasionally even lending themselves to create a heartfelt honesty that transcends music and voice. This is especially apparent on the two love songs, “I Missed the Triathlon” and “Counting Steps.”
The album opens nicely with “Third Biology,” one of the best tracks on the album. It features a nice moving bass line, and, overall, the music feels much deeper than many of the other tracks because of atmosphere sounds and a rising vocal. “Foundations in Lowell,” the next track, is more typical of the band’s sound as a whole, being a fairly even mix of bass, guitar and drums, with the vocals clearly dominating. Ellis joins in at the end adding some additional mood to the track.
Two long instrumental tracks also make their appearance, demonstrating how sparse the band sounds without vocals and its lack of musical experimentation. The two other great tracks are those about love and are mainly successful because of the touching lyrics and warmth of the flute. You really believe what she’s saying when Proakis emotes, “The path back here is not so bad you’ve traveled it before/ I’ll clear the vines and brambles if you’ll travel it once more.”
The band’s vocal direction is of note. While most bands stick to one, usually male, singer, Polyethylene alternates between Proakis and Ellis and, depending on the song, sometimes makes use of both of them together either using one for backing vocals or as a sort of duet.
Neither of their voices are really striking in any way, but their use of dual vocals certainly breaks up some of the monotony. Proakis’ voice is also nice to hear simply because female vocals are so underrepresented in rock music that it’s nice to see some change in that regard. Overall, Polyethylene reveals its weaknesses in a mediocre debut, while providing a few tracks that might be worth listening to.
Chris Simpson is a first-year history major. He can be reached at [email protected].
