Playing an explosive set last Sunday at TT the Bear's Place in Cambridge, local band Polyethylene has proved it deserves your attention. The group is comprised of Elena Proakis (bass, guitar, vocals), Neal Smith (guitar, bass, vocals) and Richard Reed (drums). All three are from Charlestown. Polyethylene often plays around Cambridge and Somerville at locations including the Kirkland Caf, Middle East Club, O'Brien's Pub and T.T. the Bear's. Proakis described the band's sound as "wide ranging." With influences from groups like Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Built to Spill, the Delgados and Radiohead, Polyethylene specifically select sounds they wish to emulate. Their unique musical composition is derived from an eclectic blend of indie rock and some indie pop-what Proakis calls a selection of "really individual things from all our favorite bands."

He jokingly conveyed the difficulty of pinning down their exact style. "It's so hard [to pick a specific sound]. We kind of range from melodic, mood-driven indie rock, to poppy indie rock. We play any songs we feel like playing, we have a wide variety - we run a range of styles." In short, Polyethylene is like nothing you've heard before.

Ellis and Proakis compose Polyethylene's songs together. Lyrics range from the heartbreaking-"A mess indeed/is love agreed," from "A Mess Indeed"-to musings on the experience of living-"If I had my mother's druthers/an even-keeled life I'd lead/When younger days were simple/and clearer thoughts could be" from "Third Biology." Overall, the lyrics are honest, direct and possess a catchy simplicity. The songs are memorable-you'll catch yourself singing them in the shower.

"We're just doing it for fun...we're not doing it to play audiences," Proakis said. Polyethylene transmits their passion for music into their confident live performances. Onstage, the band glows, and the audience can feel their dedication and interest in their work. Performances are relaxed and enjoyable. The group interacts well with the crowd, frequently explaining song choices, joking around and checking sound quality. "I always love playing to people who haven't heard us play," Proakis says. "It's interesting to gauge what the audience's response is and it's funny to see the reactions."

The inspiration for the name "Polyethylene" came from a variety of sources. Proakis describes finding the right moniker as "a joint effort and brainstorming. [We] all actually work with polyethylene in our jobs...It's a moldable plastic." The title is fitting, as Proakis explains "We've kind of drawn a parallel to that. We can pick and choose" our influences. Interestingly, "Polyethylene" is also the title to a Radiohead song-an homage, almost, to one of their favorites.

Polyethylene's first album will hopefully be released in the next couple of months. The current working title is Paper or Plastic? and all artwork and recording should be completed shortly. Their next show is at the Middle East on Feb. 20. Their web site, www.polyethylenemusic.com, contains band bios, music downloads, pictures, schedules and lyrics. For a truly excellent gig, check out the next live performance and prepare to be impressed.