Tommy Boys - Demo

Look familiar?

Well it should. I briefly covered these cats back in January when they only had one song to speak of. I do think that they deserve a much deeper look as it is painfully obvious that these guys once something official gets dropped.....its going to be good times for all. The chops are there as well as the killer song writing. In need of a well placed and tight math rock turn? theres about 70 in every song. Forced? no not at all everything sounds fluid like a river and the riffs are pretty catchy as well. If your going to reach into the comparison's basket then you could say a more energetic and twisty Ghosts and Vodka with more of a punky vibe running through. For those that don't know Ghosts and Vodka, I suggest going to drink some vodka. Sound's like a damn fine combo if I've ever heard. They do now have a song with vocals and its just as excellent as the instrumental stuff. I need a bat signal or a beeper specifically for when new stuff by these guys comes out. I need it that badly.

The Water Safety - Happiness is a Warm Wookie (2013)

Aside from the god awful album name this is some thoughtful and intelligent dance rock from Germany. Dance rock typically invokes some dangerous thoughts...yes I know this...(The Rapture *cough*) Thankfully these guys keep their cards close and have some love for many genres. Post rock? yea. Math? mhm Alternative Rock? sure throw it in there to. Truthfully I have posted these guys on our facebook group but it just occured that an official post had not been created. There is a little somethin somethin here for one and all so certainly its one to check out.

Salvador - Fera Vischer (ep) (2013)

Rio De Janeiro based post rockers Salvador lay down some pretty interesting instrumental math rock I have to say. I wasn't completely sold until I noticed the introduction of some interesting effects and welcome twists to the formula. These slight departures add some well needed personality to the proceedings. I do have to say as well that as the EP progresses the songs seem to only get better and better while ramping up the complexity. Like I said it took a minute to sink into this lovely group but you'll be thankful for doing so. Listen.

Astrochasm - EP

If you've ever listened to or been to see a Math Rock band in Sacramento then you probably have heard about Astrochasm. This small California trio only has three tracks currently released in there discography, one which is an intro into another song. And although it is true if you search hard enough you can find more of their songs in the archives of Youtube,  they're nothing that is official or as well mixed as whats on their Bandcamp.

What I love about Astrochasm is how refreshing it is to hear a girl singer in a Math Rock band, and a good one at that. Their songs are chock-full of catchy riffs, this really shines through in "...Just Dreams." Although the guitar work is nothing really innovative and has a kind I've heard this before sound. They seemed to be a lot more laid back then what I'm use to listening to so I find it hard to get into.Not to mention due the fact that they don't have a bassist a lot of their songs end up sounding empty. This isn't remedied by the fact that Yvette Young, (the lead singer) doesn't have a deep underlying tone to her voice that makes up for the lack of bass.

My advice to Astrochasm would be to either find a bassist or use that second guitar to make their songs sound a bit fuller. All in all I'm very interested into seeing how Astrochasm will develop their sound further and will be keeping a very close eye on them.

Stockades - MONOLITH (2013)

Previously on X-Me....er Plenty of Swords

Australians based post-hardcore mathsters Stockades are almost ready to drop their first official release this June. Should prove to be a banger if this newly released song is any indicator. Great vocals and fantastically noodly guitars are in high order with these peeps so if thats your thing (and it should be) then you gotta peek it up.