Castle Cats - Ice Locks (2016)

Castle Cats has the spit and polish of veteran group but seems to be largely the vision of one Brian Davis with some kit work by Ryan Berg. Both Brian and Ryan are instructors at "The School of Rock" in Downington PA. Its clear there are insane chops flying around the room but I'd say my interest lies in the compositions themselves. An electro/keyboard elements helps round out the sound and makes things very atmospheric. Something akin to a more updated 80's classic prog sound at times. Each song holds its own unique vision with moodier pieces thrown in for good measure. I have to say its some of the most immediately enjoyable rock I've heard in a good bit. Castle Cats provides a great technical base without feeling like your being clubbed over the head with knotty guitar work. It can be a hell of a lot of fun as well. Both Ice Locks and Dog Dungeon (somehow it actually sounds like a dungeon for dogs) really encapsulate the sort of prog I wish we could have more of in 2016.

 

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
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Steak and Cake Records

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The Prophet Nathan - Secret Teachings (2013)

Nashville sons The Prophet Nathan have thankfully dropped their newest release on us today. It's their first proper full length in a hot minute so it's been one I have been patiently waiting on. Since last time we heard them, they have added a bassist which has helped flesh out some of their songs a bit more. Hoping that this release proves to be the kick that these guys need because they are a pure treat and more people should be aware of their majesty. Alternative metal bent to the side while math rock hangs heavy. What I've always enjoyed was their use of space to either bring focus or to just dial back the speed a bit to focus on the vocals. Speaking of which the vocals are much more present and stronger towards the end of the disc which is certainly welcomed.  Highly recommend this release to any man, woman or beast. Been listening to this on repeat all afternoon.

The Prophet Nathan

Radiant Republic - Three Against Four (2013)

Miss me? well shoot I missed yall.

Things have been kinda crazy over at casa d'acerola so without further rambling I have to say I have been enchanted for a bit with the fine groups on Sick Room Records. Why should all you fine people of discerning taste care? Well let'ss just say that it's run by former Sweep the Leg Johnny members; that should be enough to get you to listen to anything and everything going on there.

One such group, Radiant Republic, is doing a hell of a job revamping some old discord-era sounds and spinning them into a much noisier and mathier arrangement. Singing is a little plain jane but you ain't riding this pony for soaring power ballad vox, just sweet sweet twists and turns. It's great to hear a self-assured group playing their own way and making sure that pants get rocked in the process. Huge win on this one.

RR

Barky

As I have stated before its easier now more than ever to find math rock centered info on the interwebs. Quality? well theres not a lot but when I do come across something ( cough cough New Noise Archives cough cough) I like to give props where do. The sub reddit Calculus and Whatnot is a great resource. It is frequented by good knowledgeable contributors and math bands alike.

 Learn and Love it.  

     It is here that I happened across this very excellent three piece. Barky, a NY based avant instrumental jazz rock group. It is the main vehicle for song writer Scott Barkan. While his own work is unassumingly un math this power trio oozes with complex rhythms, brilliant stuff.  Everyone here will enjoy.

Barky

Year End Round Up (Part 3)

Thrice

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The Parlor Secret  

Bring in the pastoral post-math rock by way of a drum and guitar duo. Really chilled sounds even when the tempo heats up a bit. Is it a coincidence one of these songs is named "My Little Viking"? hmm I'll let you be the judge. 

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Bearded Youth Quest

Provide some serious instrumental math magic. Nice and Energetic vibe's and some solid melodies running through this beast. Be sure to check out their last release as well.  UK based with enough to ground them in some similar style groups while still maintaining their own sound. Golden.

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 Comma

Rock and Roll doused with chain mail of math and helm of indie experimental. Really enjoying these guys lately. Vocals as well are a bit different yet mesh surprisingly well. warning as well your going to have a bit of awesome drumming occurring, watch your faces. 

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Nitkowski

Lovely and disjointed math-prog with a surprisingly decent sense of melody. Interested in Rhythmic changes? yea ugh this is whats up. Never in danger however to come apart at the seems just really impressive songwriting.  Their bandcamp states "No feckin tappin or slappin" fair enough im in. 

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Adults, The Elderly and Children

Math-pop by way of the UK good stuff. I dare you to listen to this and not enjoy. Not a really great dare I know. 

.fin.

  

Johnny Foreigner - Names

Apologies fellows and felletes as I have not been so active on the swords but fear not...

Johnny Foreigner are an excellent english band that are high energy rock with lots of interesting twists. No tapping heroic bouts here but there are always a heaping helping of fantastic vocals (boy girl at that). Please check these three tracks out and certainly explore the rest.

JF

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) 

Clastic - Strata EP

A Berlin, Germany group that again has that awesome driving style post rock we like to call, Math. There is a lot to like here but admittedly on the surface its easy to think its a bit run of the mill. The more you listen to the EP the more they do strike there own path and I keep finding myself coming back to it. Nothing jazzy going on over here though very rock oriented which never hurt anyone.

http://clastic.bandcamp.com/

Bloc Party-Banquet

A little more Bloc Party action for you guys, one of the singles from Silent Alarm. Again, using cool ways of spreading rhythm throughout a band in a pop song is always nice; although its a bit simple in the verses, its has a nice bounce to it, clearly defining the roles of all the musicians in the track and building into a sweet chorus.

Nuito - Unutella (2008)

 Instrumental 3 piece Japanese Math Rock. tapping, blasting, explosions, noise, breaks, time changes, quick. There is just so much here really. In any one song you could stretch to write 30 songs. Do you have musical ADD like me? well this is your cure. Ideas come fast and never stick around long enough for you to grab on and yet slower passages do abound. This is the sound of a band completely letting loose and having fun. The closest comparisons would be "complex full of phantoms" era Tera Melos but after they pounded 12 red bulls. Cant say enough for those of you that are into this kind of thing. Just incredibly well structured and played with surprises around every corner. yum.

 
Nuito - Unutella (2008)

Zona Mexicana

 Upstate New York 3 piece. Math rock at its roots with a hardcore spirit. If you want to talk drums, Mr. Wisch is honest to god a contender for Damon Che's well worn crown. Check this EP out and please catch them live....I have a strong feeling like myself that you wont be let down.