Monsters of the Antipodes - Houses (2012)

A Progressive math rock group from Baltimore with some pretty inspired riffage. Lots of complexity here for those who crave yet a mature sense of restraint and pacing that lends itself to post-rock style and structure.

Let me say that Mr. Greg Lewis must be a busy and talented man because this is the THIRD project by him that I have been highly impressed with. The first being his atmospheric prog lite rock group as previously talked about ( dedleaves ) Certainly not to take away from the other players but the guitar playing is on center stage here. Stripped away of a lot of the pedal flim flam of dedleaves and a focus on rhythms.

This was actually a fairly recent submission but I had already been enjoying for a couple weeks. Also a little sad that I missed this in 2012.

the root and the basilisk is Greg's solo acoustic based venture and also should be given proper up's as an incredible release of progressive solo work. So please check all three because I can promise you will not be sorry

AT ALL! BOOM!

HOUSES

dedleaves (2012)

There's something incredibly charming about this 4 piece instrumental group from Baltimore...I dont know if I have hit on it just yet but I am really enjoying this first effort. I wouldn't classify this as math rock but there is plenty of rhythmic complexity for any mathnick to nod in satisfaction. Something that is missing from a good amount of progressive group's such as dedleaves is ATMOSPHERE. These guys have zero problem with that aspect and maybe thats what I can appreciate the most that makes them so special. Each song is structured interestingly as well moving seamlessly into new passages. Which pretty much brings us into the very clear post-rock end of this music.  Incredibly solid album. no duds. Grab this up. Loving it

dedleaves

Arc and Sender - S/T (2005)

Arc and Sender play dark, contemplative, math rock that heaves through atmospheric passages punctuated by huge riffs.  The format of drums, bass, and baritone guitar is accompanied on a few tracks by violin and saxophone for extra spiciness.  The compositions are sprawling.  I usually prefer the songwriting to be a little tighter, but in this case everything is so heavy that too many changes might sound strange.

This band is relatively unknown, at least as far as I can tell.  They started off as a studio project, released an album, played a few shows, then faded from existence.  For such a short band lifetime, the quality of the product is excellent.  We were super lucky to play with them at a DIY joint in Baltimore in 2008.  They slayed.  I believe that this was their final show. 

Check out "WWJLD" (What Would Jesus Lizard Do) on their Myspace, then download their self-titled debut album here:

Arc and Sender - S/T (2005)