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

Grand Beach - May Long (2012)

Lets face the facts that we are just in a holding pattern for one of Alexander Litinsky's math rock projects to explode. Name not familiar? Shameful. Alex is AM Overcast and has just recently released the very excellent math pop gem "Pellow" Thats it you say? NAY Alex also plays in the more "formal" math rock demons L'viv. So along with these two projects we also have a short EP going by the name of Grand Beach who are poised to release a brand new banger on our faces this upcoming new year.

Its a bit similar to AM in its approach to math but has more of a collaborative feel (obviously) these two tracks from 2012 are great but I think we can bank on the fact that its going to be a scorcher. Alex is possibly the best artist going right now that can hold the pop influences close while still laying down massive time shifts and great riffage. If your interested in hearing some more personal aspects one of our members also recently sat down with Alex. Keep your eyes peeled for this danger cat.

GB

Zefs Chasing Cara - Ultra Gown (2013)

New Zefs Chasing Cara has finally arrived. Its been a few years believe it or not since his last release (2010) But thankfully we are here to celebrate. For those unfamiliar this one man UK based math popster revels in tight turns and a penchant for electronic elements. Before I go any further there are great moments here and it is a progression from "Kneel and You Will Lose". However the sort of furthering is one I cant fully be on board for. Like I said Zef's has been steadily creeping toward more and more electro flavored elements but it was always the balance of live and sampled/keyboards that kept me interested. Ultra Gown at times is just too polished and inorganic sounding to totally sell me. The scales have seemingly tipped in favor of less live instrumentation and/or completely blending everything together. Lets be clear when I say that this release does still have more creativity than 75% of the math rock I've been in contact with this year. I gotta say im on the fence with this one and it may take me a few more listens. self imposed hype is never a positive.

ZEFSCHASINGCARA

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

Giraffe Massacre - Failed Attempts (2013)

After having been let down by the new Dismemberment Plan album, a reader on our facebook page suggested I cleanse thine ear holes with this. Giraffe Massacre hail from Oklahoma City and have brought me back to reality for a moment. Also (I've said it before and I'll say it again) two pieces are not my deal at all. So instead of ham isting some garage riffs, these guys bring the heavily infectious melodies and sly rhythms.  I have been through this EP several times now and have found myself coming back to it even in just this short time. Tasteful at all moments, shedding its own light and still sharing obvious influences. Math pop minus vox with some charming head sticking riffs and at times pretty technical drums. I see a lot of bull trash getting thrown around these days in the genre and I was beginning to feel a bit jaded, but turns out allI needed was a good Giraffe Massacre.

GM

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)   

Unicorn Harvest - Alan's Tutorials (2013)

Hey guys I am back to posting our regularly scheduled awesome math and not my constant gushing of all the sweet math rock I've seen in the last week :) However a large thank you has to be made to Ithaca Underground for setting up some killer shows as of late.
_____________________________________

Unicorn Harvest are a math rock duo that are former Ithaca fella's as well but now find themselves in NYC. Its hard to listen to these cats without getting smacked in the face with the Tera Melos love but honestly thats one of the things I enjoy most about them. They've got that under lying pop sensibility with the muffled vox and some pretty hook riddled ax handling.  Compositionally it all flows incredibly well with some not too over the top drumming. Really been enjoying this the last couple days and I'm sure most of you peeps will too.

If I Look Strong; You Look Strong - if i look strong; you look strong (2012)

Been holding this gem pretty close to my belt. Coming from Canada and largely a solo project of one Noah Michael this beast is restless. In some ways this project is like some kind of alternate dimension version of AM Overcast. I say this because both groups have a preoccupation with math-pop and pop-punk.  Not only that but each group has solid grasp on song length (ie short) So why exactly are we here then? to re-hash? not here at the swords. The divergent qualities are what truly make IILS:YLS shine in my opinion. Experimental, noisey, break neck turns and occasionally throw in some heavy break downs.  Mixing these elements in with math-pop shouldn't work but like I said short song lengths and incredible execution keeps the flags flying high. Wonderful stuff.

Jonah Vin - From the Top (2013)

So it seems as though "Look Mexico" has formed their own mini label (Holy Hell Records) and have added a new group to the proceedings. Granted it does feature a couple of the same personnel it's an excellent first glimpse into the group Jonah Vin. There is certainly enough to get me very excited into what should be some very excellent indie flavored math-pop. Some great hooks and proper instrumentation go a long way with me. I'd never steer you wonderful peeps wrong so check it. Seems like this is officially being dropped sometime in July.

The Slaughterhouse 5 - Alban B. Clay (2013)

Alban B. Clay (Name Dat Price)

Acey brought this group to my (and everyone else's) attention last month upon the release of their second single, Fish Pt. 2–3 (Actual Fish), which I have been abso-fucking-lutely addicted to, along with their previous single, Light Bulbs (A K.M.R.J. Cover). I have no real reference for how to describe this music, though Acey's genre-classification of "math-pop" is appropriate, and it's not like they're doing something literally indescribable or unique. But the execution is what makes this album special in a deliriously unhinged way: from its conceit as a concept album about an artist and his pretensions, to the way everything is simultaneously dirty with distortion and yet sparkly clean in harmonic precision. 

The vox (as identified in the previous post) are probably the element most enticing, with their dramatic ambitions, layered harmonies, male/female duets, and genuinely surreal lyrics about who-the-fuck-knows. But while the instrumentation is never hitting those technical highs that most folks expect from the math-tag, the songwriting and performance are top-notch through and through, with an abundance of style.

Highly recommended, especially for fans of Mister Metaphor, Hawks & Oxen, Mew, and the Olivia Tremor Control.

POSTMADONNA - Postmadonna (2013)

The first time I heard these guys in 2011 with their release VALIS it was a sound of a band that had lofty goals but was still undecided. Their 2012 release began cementing their unique math rock sound as a unit. Here we have what I would consider their first unified statement, and a bold one at that.

In many ways this is math pop ..... in structure ...sometimes... and vocals...sometimes... Its hard to pin and thats the mark of a group that is comfortable in the skin they have created for themselves. Of course you can point to new school elements cribbed from more recent groups but that would be unfair because the heart that went into creating this is incredible. It also has to be mentioned that this mama has a density that I rarely see in math these days. Every moment is teaming with something awesome going on in some way. It's a huge sound and truthfully if done improperly it could collapse on itself like a dying star and be a mud math mess. I will say that headphones help to really dig into the nuances of the pieces.

It occurs to me that I haven't even spoken about the instruments. Lets just say "dees cats is nasty" Razor dime turns into grand mini chorus's that disappear in a moment into the actual pay off. This is the kind of thing I live for in math rock.

postmadonna

A.M. Overcast - Pellow (2013)

Perhaps the most shining example of modern math-pop. A.M. Overcast has been a beacon of perfection throughout the years. I say its about damn time Alexander Litinsky gets some solid Cred from the community. This is an (albeit short) but great introduction to his brand of off kilter pop mayhem.

I would say Shepherd Moon is a little more ambitious but "Pellow" certainly has a more pop centered goal..and thats perfectly fine.

Realistically though if you've never heard then your missing out and should seek out any and all.

pellow

The Slaughterhouse 5

Some more than capable edgier math pop from Denmark. Very much enjoying the vox as well. insterested in more more more.

5

This is Exploding - Lost Levels (2006ish)

A few items of high interest on this one.

SO This is Exploding is and has not been a band for awhile. They had one release before this that could be categorized as some pretty fun high energy power pop rock. Moving forward this set of song's which would have been the groups 2nd album was discovered by the singer years later and let loose. It is definitely on the more math pop side of life and for that it has fallen into my fortunate ears.

Item number 2 of interest is that 2/3rd's of this group went on to form the power bass death group known as Megachurch. 

Item number three is that this is incredibly profressional well crafted pop rock with math rock rhythms ands some pretty fantastic vocals. Jump on this is typical fashion.

lost levels

Pjaro - Why is No One Here (2013)

Pjaro is a two piece with some heart and an impressive amount of chops to match. Mostly instrumental but with the occational addition of tasteful vocals. There is something very familiar about these guys but in a nostalgic way like how classic indie rock gets you. Each song is very much its own animal but while still keeping with their own flavor. From slow burners to some pretty technical speedier fare the more I listen the more I become hooked. This should be on everyones check out list. Well worth your time. 

pjaro

Gulfer - Transcendals (2013)

Montreal based Gulfer have landed a clean left hook to the jaw. 

That is to say with last years split with fellow Canadians Fago. Sepia  well behind them these five songs are not only stronger but more self assured. Vocals are gruffly sung in a charming way that will remind many of the better moments of your favorite indie emo group. Couple that with some incredibly nimble tapping and drum workouts and its a 5 star dish waiting for your face. Stand out tracks are "Tiki Marathon" and the closer "Shoreline". Heres my deal with last songs. If you can nail the closer, it brings everything before it back into focus. Gulfer pull it off. This release easily slides them in the realm of great current math groups. Also it looks like they have a pretty heavy summer tour planned with Vesudeva. See you then guys.

 

gulfer 

 

Taking Meds - Demo (2013)

A demo? 

more like a declaration.

This music is god damn charming. 

It enters the room like your best friend from 10 years ago, nary a step missed. 

Of course with your favorite drink in hand. 

Seriously insanely well developed alternative math pop. Is this popular? if not it should be on everyones watch list. A bit of a throw back to wonderful bands from math's more formative times during the 90's (Polvo, Archers of Loaf Ect.) but very much updated. Self assured vocals, dime drop turns @#$%RQTF!! 

sorry 

just listen to this

right now

now

its just that good 

im done writing 

 I need to listen 12 more times.

honestly

DEMO

Hello Jupiter - Do I Dare.. (2012)

These three gentlemen have managed to release a formidable EP here. Truthfully I've been holding this one close to my chest...its a stunner. Surprised I haven't seen more math bro's hoisting the main sails for this. Technical instrumentally without being annoying?, check.  This is even pretty vocal heavy as well and as you could guess its floats without a hitch. Maybe what I appreciate most is its very obvious restless nature. From point to point pleasantly wonderful curveballs get thrown in but they never seem out of place. Stop and listen, it's been a minute since I've taken in something this assured in the math pop/rock realm. 

do-i-dare

ps: that freaking first song....jesust so good.

Scarlet (2011)

Rhode Island boys Scarlet are practioners of the in vogue "POP MATH" style of music.

Those vocals are sure to melt even the most stone hearts...for sure. Scarlet is no slouch in the instrumentaling either. Firing on all cylinders they are Incredibly tight and keep things very accessible even when things get a bit tricksy.  A lot of pop math misses the mark as far as catchy hooks and vocals so if that is what you like (and who doesn't?) then these guys are whats up. Be sure to check out all of there shtuff on the camp.

s c a r l e t

Legs Like Tree Trunks - Future Reference (2012)

Pencil Vania based math popsters "Legs Like Tree Trunks" have unleashed their newest EP on our ears.  Their previous which I have been shamefully sitting on for too long was a pretty sure footed effort to be sure.

BUT BUT BUT THIIIISS WOOOO BUDDY!!

Its got that nice gentle pacing with excellent mathy guitar interplay and some nice little twists while still keeping a leg in some accessible pop territory. Loads of bands are currently navigating in this territory and I can say that LLTT have as firm a grasp as I've heard lately.

(me)What I can't shake and this I believe to be to their credit reminds me of Maps and Atlases a bit

(other me).......who? O you mean the now current pop/classic rock band Maps and Atlases?

(me) No No Before that! long ago they used to be math pop...sigh...
this just has that old maps feeling a bit. nothing samey just in spirit. 

Enough comparing because these kitties stand on their own without the finger pointing. Emotional stuff at that I should mention, some really lifting vocal melodies. This is, as I have said before, a difficult feature of the genre. On this release they have absolutely nailed the landing and should be receiving some glowing praise from the judges.

This Judge is giving them 4 3/4 california rolls out of 5. I ate the other quarter.

Future Reference (2012)