Renaissance Sound - II

There are moments that you hang to in complete anticipation.  The wait of what will be...or not. This was that album for me.

After their first album Renaissance Sound had left me with the hope of the future. Their self-titled really struck a chord with me about the boundaries of truly what math rock could be. To me..it was something that I had been waiting to run into through my years of searching. A group that could take jazz structures and heart but could still infuse that with the energy and sensibilities of math rock.

Which brings us to the second release, II. While I didn't expect ground breaking progression there are areas where I can safely say this improves upon the formula they've laid. It is clearly apparent that this group has only become tighter this time around. Compositions are practically teaming with twists and turns. While their first effort was a bit more relaxed this is a Renaissance Sound completely restless with creativity. Speed is certainly one of the areas that has been ramped up considerably. Instrumentally everyone has brought their A game (shocker) but im going to go out on a limb and say MVP for this one is the bassist. Ridiculous Ridiculous run's are everywhere on this beast. As well to say that some of the more memorable moments come from his melodic phrasing.

Enough analyzing really...because this is a solid gold hit right here. Its going to be a difficult one to unseat for me this year, just like last year. I'm relieved that they have taken their proven methods, expanded upon them and given us an incredibly dense jazz math rock record for our first quarter of 2013.

Stunner. All Around.

ii

Snaarj

Alto and tenor saxophones interweave lines in and out of one another while a (dare I use the term)"funky" bass holds down the festivities. The drummer mixes some devilish poly-rhythms while still keeping it delightfully tasteful. Snaarj claims a number of different genre identifiers in their Bio and would like to be tagged as "sax pop" I however feel this doesn't really do them justice. Sure the indie rock spirit is there but these guys seem more progressive rock driven than maybe they'd say. All genre finger pointing aside this is some wonderfully composed music from four friends how clearly love what they do. There seems to be a growing number of bands latching onto this sort of setup and many die by the sword. Snaarj has one song up on their bandcamp from this year (Husky Plus) that seems to sum up in short order what to expect. The live album also shows that there are others to come that are just as excellent. I wait with eager palms outstretched for whats to come.

SNAAAAARRJJ!!

Special Others - PB

To breath easier sometimes you just need a group that's going to:

A) Be good at their instruments
B) Have fun
C) Not challenge you so much intellectually (sounds not so fantastic but you cant tell me you don't enjoy some nice car ride music)

Special Others from Japan cram jam a lot delicious berries in the pie. This is fast paced Jazz Rock that isn't going to put you into a "prog-coma".  Emphasis on Jazz here folks and a spritz of Jam and Funk for good measure. There are vocals that sprout up but they are far and few between. Just plain good and good for you.

PB

(Updation) Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - Deaden the Fields (2011)

Previously Posted Feb 7th

: Tangled Thoughts of Leaving have been a constant source of extremely unique Experimental Math/Jazz Rock. They are also singular in the fact that they feature out front the not so often used piano for Math influenced tunes. With their 2011 release "Deaden the Fields" the broken and technical style that they hold as their own has been sharpened to a razor point on this release. The rough edges of odd breaks and occasional technicality without purpose has been sanded down into an amazingly epic release. As such when the fat gets trimmed off the bone you usually run the risk of taking some meat with it too. "Deaden the Fields" loses any such semblance of grind that the band initially started with which is a shame. Don't let that deter you from the old snatch and grab. You wont find this to be a double jump into new territory for these Australian gentlemen but bet on the fact that this really is as good as it gets for this particular style. Enjoy.

Deaden The Fields (2011)
 

The Reign of Kindo

First off thanks must go to Metaghost for dropping this warhead on me not too long ago. If you've been following the mix's their name has surfaced more than a few times, let me tell you why. The Reign of Kindo hails from Buffalo NY fairly close to my neck of the woods. The great part here is the seamless blend of styles that really makes this better than many bands that try to milk this ilk. You have the base which I guess you could say is indie rock but is equal parts mixed with jazz rock as well. Structurally its a titch poppy to be honest. Please don't be afraid by this statement or you will be passing up a really special band. Vocals are top notch soaring through runs. Just incredibly tasteful yet powerful and well trained which is something a lot of bands should take note of. Progressive influences are brought in through the back door via the jazz rock and this just adds interest to each piece. If you can guess where this is going your right, the drums. Steve Padin's licks and fills are a constant interest here to say the least. Shit is golden.


Rhythm Chord and Melody (2008)

This Is What Happens (2010)

Mouse On The Keys

Piano Driven Jazz Math

As Metaghost will certainly attest to, Mouse on the Keys is some seriously amazing stuff. I cant think of another progressive jazz group that employs math elements that is really this fun and knows how to man handle a groove. The drummer for this group needs to give lessons to some of the other math rock groups, possibly start some sort of out reach program. I'm shamefully unfamiliar with these guys former group "Nine Days Wonder" but I'd be willing to bet its pretty straight amazing as well. Thank you Japan once again for sending us auditory delights.

mouse on the keys

an anxious object   (Track 2, Spectres Des Mouse, has possibly the single tightest drum lick of your life)

Them Roaring Twenties - Future Sandwich

Chicago jazz math rock

Rarely will you find a math rock group that is intentionally trying to be funny not just in their song titles but also in their music. Featuring massively auto-tuned vocals used sparingly and lyrics that some would consider "off-color" at times I can honestly say this is a one of a kind group. If the instrumentation wasn't so crazy tight it would be a mess. Most times one guitar seems to be doing something jazzy while the other almost seems to be doing its best to trip up the other guitar. Doesn't sound like it should work but it works in spades. Sadly not together anymore.

Future Sandwich