Big Bad Buffalo - American (2014)

These guys have been on my radar and have posted to our little fantastical facebook page where we have lively discussions about progressive...stuff.

Plenty of Swords (facebook page)

Annyywhose, these cats are playing sort of a 90's throw back indie style but with some nice little time shifts occasionally. Vocals are here as well and they are surprisingly catchy in an odd sort of way but it all comes together for a really fresh package. Check this out.

BIGBADBUFFALO

The Most Americans, now only $3?!

I'm going to level with you right now: if you missed this perfect slice of  indie math throw back goodness then you truly owe it to yourself to snatch this up. It's on sale for a limited time for like 3 bucks, at least that's what some dead presidents whispered to me.

Also they've got a new video up on the youtubes for you to watch and enjoy, so yea there's that as well.

8/10/13 Ithaca NY : Del Paxton, Vasudeva, Gulfer, Cattle Drums

It's difficult for me to put into words the feeling that you get by being constantly blown away by incredibly talented and passionate bands, ones seen before and anticipated; high-fives, hugs, jumping, and dancing were pouring out of the wood work in Ithaca last night.

Buffalo's very own Del Paxton (ex-Beach Parade) opened the proceedings with their precision take on 90's emo with some math rock flirtations. For them being such a new group you'd be hard pressed to tell at all. Great use of vocals and occasional harmonies, which I'm always a sucker for. While not normally my genre of choice, it's a testament to the excellent songwriting and powerfully inspired kit work of these lovely gentleman that have me excited for their bright future. (video from the show)

Vasudeva (NJ) — in some sort of mind reading tactic — played my FAVORITE song of their's off  2011's Roots of the Tree, "Back to the Feeding Ground". It honest-to-christmas-christ took me a full 45 seconds to recover after being blasted by such a lush and full sound in that wonderful basement. Huge amount of energy and tons of fun to watch. If you're not familiar, soundwise we're talking busy instrumental post-math with lots of glorious tapping. Wasn't super familiar with their new material, but just like their last release there are a large amount of  melodic leads and impossible tapping passages with powerful drums. (video from the show)

Hailing from Montreal came Gulfer, who have been on my radar since their split with the lovely Fago Sepia. Hugely excited to finally see them in action and there was no disappointment at all — faaaaar from it. Math rock at its finest to be frank. Tight turns were navigated deftly by bass and drums, while the guitar seemed split between clean strumming and knotty tap workouts. It's in the variety of their songwriting that I have always loved Gulfer. They show their strengths well, moving from jazz influence to indie rock to harder breakdowns, but always with a grounding sense that never brings you too far from them. It's technical for sure, but never makes you feel weighted down. (video from the show)

And lastly... Cattle Drums. Third time seeing them, and each and every time I am even more blown away than the last. It is no exaggeration: they are the band to beat in any genre right now. The level of emotional connection they bring is second to none. Why, you may be ask? Well, lyrically there is no comparison. Think spoken word stream of consciousness that is a mix of philosophical musings crossed with bathroom scrawlings that can be profound and anthemic in the same moment (sometimes tragically inane). While this is happening, guitarist Gulab Singh is laying down some of the rawest riffage I can think of in twenty-thirteen.  Stopping and starting when needed and holding on to an especially awesome lick for exactly the right amount of time, followed closely by relentlessly busy drumming. A mutant mix of dirty punk, metal, math rock and indie rock. Either aspect by itself would be more than enough for two bands but smashed into one is like watching the opposite of a train wreck. It was a burner of a set for sure. (video from the show)

A large thank you to my good friend Bubba from Ithaca Underground who was instrumental in this coming together as well.

Olde Pine - The Steve French EP (2013)

Emo anyone? well not exactly.  Olde Pine have that familiar scream based early 90's feel. What interests me is that from time to time these guys do run away into some pretty catchy rhythmic breaks.I wouldn't call it "math rock" but it perked my ear holes to be sure. Check er out if your into that sort of thing.

Sounds like Braille - Right Out of Left Field, Straight to the Middle of Nowhere (2004)

Yes I know what you might be thinking...

When was the last time I posted something not within the last couple years?!

2004's truly wonderful album by Sounds Like Braille is a group that has many influences but honestly they are very much their own animal. Be clear that this is not incredibly busy math rock. It does have early 90's throwback feel to it occasionally and the songs are structured more along the lines of classical composition and post-rock not too mention the clear jazz influence. The hair does get let down to rock on a good amount of these songs.On the whole however its the pace is kept at a medium while allowing room for the instruments to tangle. Im not going to spend an absurd amount of time on this just know that this is a unique listen and a highly rewarding one at that. It is in my opinion a group that rarely gets the props they deserve so hopefully this brings a few more peeps in their direction.

Hooting Everywhere - Horse Parking (2012)

There are many things I am a large sucker for. 

One man math rock projects rate right up there

Hooting Everywhere is the work of one Devin Powers and as it states on the bandcamp

"Music written in the style of 90s indie emo."

So grease the gears on the time machine because this is going to take you back. Really well done obviously or we wouldn't all be here gathered around the ugh er interweb. Some mathy guitar's I would say though but if the words 90's or emo perked your ears then this is for you.  

Hooting Everywhere (2012) 

One Leg Mary - Yes Exactly, Maybe Not

These cats emailed a spell ago and I must say very worthy of some listening ears. Kind of a early 90's indie math feel going.  Guitars chug and cut across one another in fine fashion. Sparse vox help the whole proceedings run smoothly. Check it out. 


Bandcamp