1. September 2025

TAS

Devin Belanger’s Unruly Ride with Polyend Mess

Mate, strap yourself in for a wild ride as Devin Belanger, aka Miles Away, dives headfirst into the glitchy maelstrom of the Polyend Mess pedal. Hailing all the way from Vancouver, Devin gives us a peek into a sound wonderland that can morph the most mundane tones into something akin to a kangaroo on a Red Bull rampage! Whether you’re a synth wizard or just keen on some ear-bending chaos, this is where your sonic adventure begins. Cheers!

A New Mess in Town

Devin Belanger, the maestro spinning under the moniker Miles Away, introduces us to a new playground of sound with the Polyend Mess pedal. Opening with the transformation of a simple sound into a raucous symphony, this pedal is introduced as a jack-of-all-sounds. Devin, while keeping his chatter on a tight leash, promises that the pedal speaks louder than words. It’s an invitation into a riot of cannily crafted sounds, sent over by Polyend without strings attached. Devin’s transparency about the product demo adds a touch of authenticity, guiding us with a gentle hand into the intricacies of this pedal. As you sit back and absorb the auditory blitz, it’s like getting caught in an outback storm while having a quiet cuppa. Excited yet?

"This pedal is best explained by just me showing you how it works on the front panel."

Front and Centre with the Mess

Devin dives straight into the guts of the Polyend Mess pedal, demonstrating its vast array of effects that can jazz up even the simplest synth track. It’s like stepping into a sonic BBQ where every sound sizzle unveils something deliciously unexpected. From distortions to the dreamy exciter, Devin systematically unveils the beast within. His methodical tweaking of knobs showcases a mishmash of effects that span from a slight tonal panning to seismic shifts in sound architecture. One minute you’re in a serene reverb realm, the next you’re surfing a storm of sonic chaos. How about a bit crusher here, a rectifier there? Devin finds joy in these chaotic conditions like an Aussie on a surfboard during a cyclone. His enthusiasm is as infectious as the sounds he creates are unpredictable. Mate, buckle in because this isn’t a cosy ride – it’s as thrilling as finding a BBQ in a backyard flooded with sound.


The Sequencing Sorcery Unleashed

"Right now we're getting to something really unique."

Where the Polyend Mess really struts its stuff is in its sequencer. Devin goes further down the rabbit hole by disabling the spatial effects and unleashing the full potential of the pedal’s sequencer. It’s not just about producing any old beat; the four sequencers allow for dynamic sound architectures that create a veritable sea of auditory chaos. The pedal transforms sounds into an exhilarating mishmash of bits and loops, a symphony of glitches ripe with randomness. It’s like steering through a music festival dust storm with a broken compass – unexpected yet thrilling! Probability settings and variable sequence lengths summon polyrhythms that turn patterns on their heads. Every step and knob tweak Devin makes unleashes a fresh thunderclap of sound, keeping listeners as hooked as witnesses to a kangaroo hopping contest.

Conclusion: Is the Mess Your Mate?

Devin wraps up his sonic journey by sharing insights about who might truly embrace the Polyend Mess pedal. He punctuates his review with the conviction that this pedal is not for the faint-hearted. The strength lies in its unique sequencer – an element that might not suit everyone. It offers limited tweakability in effects, but makes up for it by unleashing a cacophony of unpredictable sounds. For those with a taste for order, this might be akin to a BBQ gone awry – one side sizzling, the other side just smoke and mirrors. However, for experimentalists and those eager to experience uncharted auditory spaces, this pedal is a portal to creativity. Combining elements of sound mangling, it’s a must-have for the adventurous at heart. So, if you froth for glitchy beats and enjoy dancing on the edge of chaos, the Polyend Mess might just be the mate to gatecrash your sonic shindig.

"If you're into that super glitchy IDM sound then this pedal was literally made for you."

From Jam to Song: The Mess in Action

Ending on a high note, Devin demonstrates how the untamed jams previously orchestrated transform into a structured piece within a complete song. It’s like taming a wild brumby into a reliable workhorse just in time for a sonic showdown. He takes the chaos of the jam, dresses it with rhythmic elements, and crafts a coherent musical journey. The pedal, as Devin shows, is not just about forging chaos; it’s a genuine catalyst for inspiration in songwriting. The Polyend Mess becomes a tool not just for the avant-garde but a usable gadget for broader musical explorations. Devin’s knack for welding sounds into cohesive compositions underscores his prowess not only as a demonstrator but as a sound alchemist. A perfect closing bow to showcase that despite the name, the Mess is instrumental to discovering melodious harmony within chaos.


Latest articles


Watch on YouTube:

Links from devinbelangermusic: