[MUSIC INTERVIEW] POLYMERASE – Mindspace Interview

The making of Mindspace began in late 2023 and was just completed this year. It all started when Vincent, the band’s main creative force, began coming up with riffs that sounded quite different from their previous album. From the beginning, the band knew this project would require a new kind of sound, something more layered, deeper, and bigger.

Initially, Eugene was supposed to handle the drums, but scheduling conflicts with his other band made that difficult. So Vincent reached out to Francis, their former drummer from Unostentatious, to see if he would be interested in recording for the project again. Fortunately, Francis agreed.

Allan recorded the bass parts for “Cosmic Wanderlust” while Francis took care of most of the drum recording remotely from the U.K. Vincent wrote and produced the drum parts for three tracks, “Incense for the Beast,” “Crows and Doves,” and “Divine Reefer.” Guitars and most of the bass were recorded in Quezon City.

Mindspace explores themes like transcendence, altered states of mind, and spiritual awakening. It’s about pushing past physical limits, confronting inner struggles, and hopefully discovering a deeper potential.

The album’s sound is rooted in stoner rock but also blends influences from krautrock, doom, sludge, and post-metal. The band cites inspiration from groups like Elder, Sleep, Om, Isis, Russian Circles, and Hawkwind. The result is heavy, spacey, and meditative music meant to stretch and fill the listener’s mind.

This week the band spoke to Dave Griffiths about the album: