Pool Kids - Music to Practice Safe Sex to (2018)

Florida based Pool Kids feel like a unique voice in a sea of pretenders...plain and simple. It's approached I would say largely from a singer-songwriter perspective and that is largely because main guitarist and vocalist Christine Goodwyne is the primary composer (along with Caden Clinton on drums).

So what of the songs themselves? well they toe the line pretty expertly between modern emo mixed with throw back indie rock elements and math rock/post rock dynamic sensibilities. The truly impressive bit here is how expertly these elements are all balanced. Songs like "They Only Care About My Fills And Not My Feels" really showcase this in spades. A pretty bombastic emo opening  dives straight into a jagged math bridge before chilling out in comfort for some indie crooning finishing with a cool little two guitar interplay. Caden's drumming should also really be commended here for sure. There is measured restraint and respect to the songs while coloring more intense portions with a bit of flair and technicality that allows the pieces to flex where they need to.

So we could pretty much close up shop and call things a day here buuuut the true winner here isn't even the instrumentation or composition. I make no secret about my gripes and groans of the math rock genre as a whole (indulgent instrumentation, lazy song composition ect) Which is why I am so happy to hear their special attention to vocals. Christine uses a diverse range and an attention to proper vocal hooks that really draw you into these songs even further. "Patterns" really catches this in its stripped down form, drawing special attention to the lyrcial content. These are intensely personal moments mixed with casual observations that feel like they could resonate with a variety of people.

I cant really say enough about how this really elevates the songs and has been in near constant rotation in my daily listening. I know I say this a lot but there is literally something here that anyone with even a passing interest in music should enjoy. Pool Kids set a true standard that other bands in this space should be taking heavy notes on. Beyond excited to see what the future holds for this sensational group.

Dags! — Flaws & Gestures (2018)

Band: Dags!
Album: Flaws & Gestures
Release Date: 6.22.2018
Listen and Purchase here: Bandcamp
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I'm a little rusty when it comes to writing this sort of thing, so bear with me.

Dags! is a band I had no awareness of an hour ago, so whatever their history may or may not be, I haven't got a fucking clue. But this album gripped me immediately: a concise collection of earnest, emotive, and confident songs that blend elements of UK Maths (e.g. TTNG, Enemies, etc...) with those of some of my favorite "post-Indie" American groups of the past decade (shit like Hawks & Oxen and Piles & Piles).

Production is crisp and clear, with a great live air that suggests this was a well-practiced band ripping through their tunes in a small room together. The vocals are tuneful and tasteful, captured raw and on the verge of cracking, as they navigate a labyrinth of anxiety and curses. Instrumentation is dense but never burdened by virtuosity, focused more on rhythmic interplay and texture, rather than the discursive knots of guitar found in many of their forebears.

THIS IS THAT GOOD SHIT.

By the looks of things, they operate out of Italy (presumably they're Italian?) and are about to start a tour, so if you like what you hear make sure to hit up a show.

Rest Ashore - The Human Error (2015)

Indie Rock is often viewed by me as this behemoth of mediocrity. As it has broad genre specifiers we tend to get a lot of bland almost...dad rock (shudder). It should always be noted though when a group rises above the hoard and issues forth a proclamation.

Enter in:
Rest Ashore from New Jersey. While surface investigation may lead you to believe that this 4 piece is a group that will fade into the background like its contemporaries.. I will kindly disagree and prove that incorrect.

Inspired instrumentation in an indie rock/emo setting is the fastest way to my heart. At times these folks flirt with math rock conventions but dont seem overly concerned to play to any specific side. Its to their benefit of course as each of the 11 songs holds its own story as well as musical theme.

If the music was the only thing we had here... well we could pack it up and be happy with ourselves...make some snacks and binge watch netflix. BUT luckily vocalist (and guitarist) Erica Butts has an incredible amount to say. Its an approach that never stays in one place for too long. At times shouted, crooned and sang plainly things get down right soulful at times. Now imagine all of this going down while the rest of the band is laying down tasty riffs and funky rhythms.  

I do catch a sort of throw back emo/indie early 90's vibe but at the same time incredibly vital to todays music. There's plenty here for any music fan to enjoy really. I can only see good things and further success coming for this band.

Rest Ashore - The Human Error (2015)

Stepfriends - All We've Got (2014)

Been waiting on this for awhile as Mr. Greg McClure (Del Paxton) runs this skins on this venture as well. Seems like theres a lot of cats involved from the Syracuse/ Buffalo NY area which always peaks my ears. Sound wise you've got your new school emo sounds that is so hot right now but its safer to say this is indie rock through and through with plenty of variation.  Perhaps the strongest pull I get from these guys are the overwhelming pop sensibilities from the vocals, in both performance and lyrical content show a true understanding of this dynamic. If I had to think of a band sound wise to compare I'd have to say Evan Weiss's "Into It Over It" solo project in both songs and singing and thats a hard win in my book. Song's grab you where they should and you will undoubtedly have at least a few chorus's stuck in your dome...for the very best. Its been awhile also but I cant recall the last time an album has sounded so concise yet each lends itself to the album as a whole so well. Some aux. instrumentation (daddy loves hand claps) flesh out the songs but never are relied upon. I do truly hope this is not some one off and that we can expect more because this album eats like a hearty meal this fall. No duds on this album guys so please check it out and lavish accordingly.



Side note: I was a little sad that the sensational hand clap build of track 5 "Quiet Place" didn't erupt into deadly guitar fireworks but the song is so damn good anyway its easily forgiven.

STEPFRIENDS

Holy Torpedo - Super Sabre (2014)

holy smackers this austin group has dropped a doozy down upon my face.  Mix some chip tune keyboards with a gnarly dose of alternative indie rock and very light mathy flirtations and you've got a powerful concoction. Are we done? nope. Vocals round out this beast and they are every bit the catchy 90's tinged biz that would have to accompany these jams. Incredibly self assured first release.

Sweet fancy I cant stop listening

Don't wait a second longer dive in

super-sabre

Chapter Books - Too Strong (2014)

Looks as though Chapter Books has graced us with a...wait for it...new "chapter" hehe. 

As previously discussed here on their debut EP we have a great cross section of punk energy, indie emo base and occasional mathy guitar interplay. On their newest full length we have a few re-recordings and a barn load of new animals. This is the right kind of production for steez like this. Guitar's "Twinkle" (hate that term) and crunch when needed.  Sounds great all gussied up for sure.  Some aspects of these guys I'm really chiseling on are as everyone takes a step back and the guitars are bare, you really get to see some beautiful well thought out licks. Taken as a whole its the total package for this kind of ilk and without a bum arm in the mix.  show the love folks and spread it thoroughly this baby just got borned up....TONIGHT!  :)

CHAPTER BOOKS (2014)
(Facebook page)

Kuan - Colors

As Ive said in the past I get much more excited to post groups that arent getting fawned over by the general public and that often times means mining my brain and library for something from the past. Kuan were a 4 piece active a few years back from the Dayton Ohio area that practiced in what you and I know as "Math". Completely instrumental in nature with equal amounts of common mathy cousins like nephew prog-rock and niece post-rock. A whole lot of twisted structures and some heavy riffs and drum work make this a stand out group in my book. Unsure if these guys went on to other projects but Id certainly be interested. Enjoy

Kuan

Vaya - (pre-release) 2013

Chicago math pop by way of indie rock. The windy city seems like a hot bed for progressive fair these days. Vaya instrumentally seems like they are pushing that pop to its very limit at all times. really technical work for sure. Its an odd yet enjoyable pairing to have almost lounge like singing (think a more capable David Longstreth from Dirty Projectors) with this great math back drop. This for sure will be a release to watch as the riffs are surely insteresting enough to hold your attention and pretty memorable to boot.

VAYA

Phantom Tollbooth - Power Toy (1988)

I understand December is typically for yearly lists but you won't catch one on this site from me. Possibly a few albums that have had staying power but nope sorry take your pitchfork elsewhere for a list. So I'll do you one better and reflect back  into the early years. Truly not enough people these days want to speak about formative bands in math rock these days. One of many such groups is the interestingly named Phantom Tollbooth (after a famous childrens book...if your not familiar its a good read for anyone). Extremely active and prolific in their relatively short life span (1984-1988)  these guys threw down some fairly left field music for the time. A generous mix of post-punk, noise, art rock and the ever important jazz element made Tollbooth a crazy fast ever shifting group to nail down. If that description sounds a bit like your used to thats because at times it certainly smacks of math rock.

Take a listen to the song "Crash Mode" and you'll begin to see what I mean. They were contemporaries of all the hallowed groups from the 80's (Sonic Youth, Mission of Burma, Minutemen ect) and were on the excellent Homestead label (Big Black, Bastro, Seam, Dinosaur Jr. among many other wonderful groups) "Power Toy" was their last album in 1988 and is arguably their best which would be a great starting point if your just coming into them. Robert Pollard (of Guided by Voices) famously commissioned the nixing of all vocals from Power Toy and recorded his own with new lyrics with it being called "Beard of Lightning" in 2003...strange.

Steak and Cake Records

Hey guy/gal's just wanted to stop in and cast a light on some really wonderful music being created up north. A friend of mine (Brandon Schlia) runs a pretty boss record label in Buffalo NY called Steak and Cake Records. He's got a pretty wide base of groups and music featuring a lot of indie pop, alternative rock and some bent pop sensibilities.  Trust me that its worth the time to sit down and sift through whats going down. I understand that there isn't time shifting blah blah going down but props need to be dropped where its due. Heres a few things to get you started on your journey.

Inquiring Minds
The New York Breakfast
_________________

Steak and Cake Records

Facebook

Fowls - Into the Wild (2013)

Fowls are a group from Rochester NY (UPSTATE!) that bring an interesting blend to the table.  Its Indie pop rock that borrows a few tricks of the trade from math rock and post rock. Its a combo that I've heard a few times but these guys have their own spin and that certainly counts for something. Reminds me a bit of the UK groups doing the similar math pop lite vocal one two punch.

FOWLS

Emma Ate the Lion - Songs Two Count Too (2013)

Jesum, this is some incredibly self-assured progressive math. Massachusetts-based Emma Ate the Lion hurl some varied styles at the wall and they paint the picture of a group ready to take on anything. Post-hardcore breaks? Progressive structures? Time changes? Soaring vocals? all here firing in sync. The biggest asset these guys have (aside from everything) is that keyboard/organ player absolutely ripping it hard and dictating each song's next few steps. Vocals firmly throw this in the realm of math-pop but perhaps the most diverse pop I've heard in a dog's day. It's refreshing to hear a group so comfortable in a sound they clearly have crafted for themselves. While the genres are familiar the presentation is captivating to listen to unfold before you.

HIGHLY suggest that everyone with a passing interest in anything music related needs to check this out.
Dare I say this is my new favorite album? Certainly
one to dethrone on this last quarter of 2013.  

EATL (2013)   

Unicornibot - Mambotron (2013)

Spanish math served up with an alt-rock bent. The time changes are seamlessly integrated into the package making it a blast to listen to. Unicornibot (aside from a name that's a bit difficult to pronounce) have a familiar feel, almost a throwback sound in a way. Must say they do very much play by their own rules however. Some pretty neat riff interplay and drums as well.

Do nascimiento - Do nascimiento (2011)

Confession time: I am a math rock hoarder.

It finally feels good to get that off my chest. So now that a team of trained individuals are twisting my arm, I am emptying my back catalog of tasty math from years past. First stop — Italy. 

Do Nascimiento are an impassioned bunch of gents with lots of high energy old school "emo-ness". A bit in the realm of that Philly sound but unhinged vocally (in a good way). Instrumentally you've heard this before, but it's honest work and they do try a couple different approaches here and there.

Quality stuff, but I do tend to like more creative juices dripping from this stuff.

(Bonus points for the pele nod)

Vernon Wayne - Jazzes (2013)

Greetings and salutations, friends, I am back with yet another installment of math that will keep your peepers peeled. Today I submit for your approval —Vernon Wayne, a group from Minneapolis. Vernon bring your math rock via an indie rock/metal bent with some well-crafted song structures and more than capable vocals. One of the more subtle elementals I've been enjoying about them is that their dual guitar attack is a bit indebted to classic metal sounds. It may not be clear, but it's to Vernon's favor that they are able to synthesize more than a few genre that they enjoy. In the process they have distilled a pretty tasty beverage, an artisanal root beer in my approximation. Highly suggest their previous release (Prints *2011) as well which ups the math and metallic tastes but lacks the refined song structures of Jazzes.

El Hombre Trajeado - Shlap (2004)

Dialing back the clock a bit for y'all because it occurs to me that maybe people are not aware of these guys. There's a lot of focus placed (understandably so) on newer groups these days and it's important to gain perspective. Glasgow-based post-punk math rock group El Hombre Trajeado are an incredibly groovy and original sounding band who shut their doors in 2006. When I say original I mean that they certainly try some more left field stuff than a lot of groups these days. I highly suggest everyone grab all of their releases via bandcamp which they've made available to the public.

Soft Skills - A Future to Remember (2013)

SMACK — right in the ticker! Been waiting awhile to be taken at note one and here we are dear friends.

Soft Skills features two members of "Duck. Little Brother, Duck!" in yet another instance of the progeny being stronger and more focused than the progenitor. A couple of notable features running deep are awesome drums and a nice lighter indie math rock style. The icing for me though has to be the keyboard, a horribly underused instrument in this style featured front and center. Vocals? Yep, and they're pretty boss hog as well.

Stop reading and hit the linkage.

The Sad Pterodactyls (2013)

Math Rock Blue Grass? What will they think of next? Eh, I guess it's not too far off the map of tradition (swap out one guitar for banjo). While I do have some gripes with these guys, it's worth a mention for sure as they are poking their fingers out of the box a bit. The vocals? Wellllllll, they need a bit of work. Dude does fine when he's getting into it, but as far as just singing, maybe a bit more care need be taken. This doesn't detract from the overall vibe of enjoyment so not to worry.

Unsure if there really needs to be a tear drop on that pterodactyl. Guy already looks sad as hell.

Second Greatest Dad Ever - Joy Ride (2013)

It's one thing to have two guitar players in your band and something else entirely to have two guitarists in your band that can play off one another while consistently tearing into awesome riffs. Math rock to be sure, but with that yearning quality that indie emo brings to the table (the vocals contribute greatly to that feeling). Like I'm always looking for, this has the mark of a band having lots of fun with their own material. Nice to see the Lone Star state being repped, as I don't really see too much like this from that southern realm. Excited to hear what a full length could bring from this four piece.

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.