Polyphonic the Verbose

The reverb-y, darkly rhythmic tracks on Polyphonic's "Abstract Data Ark" most clearly align with dub reggae, but that's less an effect of their pulsing beats than their sonic approach. Both dub and these alterna-rappers use deeply buried electronics to meet organic vibes on their backhand side.

Polyphonic's highly anticipated solo debut is a conceptualized avant-garde audiomaze of eloquent glitch and melodic sound that explores the mind control techniques relentlessly practiced by the mass media. Abstract Data Ark seamlessly flows from beginning to end with a balance between textured, spacey instrumentals, and super-charged rap; making this co-mingling of electronica and hip-hop a must-listen. A.D.A. takes us back to Polyphonic's Dolce Stil Nuovo days with live instrumentation: two flutes, guitar, trumpet and bass all mixed with deep reggae dub aesthetics. Featured are up and coming Chicago emcees like Nico B, Serengeti of Day By Day Entertainment, Rhymesayers' Psalm One and more. The chunks of tightly interlocking rhythmic sound, dovetailed with media snippets and thoughtfully expressive raps, work to transcend the commercialized banality of most entertainment.