All of Them Witches

    This is a long overdue post for me.  All of Them Witches are a duo hailing from Buffalo NY, which as it happens isn't too too far from my general living zone. Soundwise we are talking some tap-heavy guitar work that twists and turns, with complementary drumming that supports the guitars with just the right amount of technicality.
    
    Math duos are always tricky for me to evaluate, since a lot of progressive music banks on how busy or full a composition can be, so obviously fewer performers can be detrimental. That said, Witches have a few things in their flavor to avoid being stale. Compositionally, there's great flow between sections in each song, avoiding the stunted transitions that trap many similiar groups. Overall, their sound smacks of a minimal nature while still sounding incredibly full. That might not make much sense on paper, but give it a listen and maybe it'll hit you.
   
   I will be having the distinct pleasure of seeing them this Friday and have been looking forward to finally catching a show by them. Also looking forward to some possible new tunage? A boy can hope.

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All of Them Witches

Thousand Mile Channel - TAPS (2013)

Ambient tap math seemingly from some non existent movie soundtrack. Incredibly relaxing and rewarding if your up for something a bit left of center but won't hurt your brain dome :) A lot of times stuff like this screams for more and its a true testament to the compositions that it remains so perfect in its minimalism.




..also James Lambrecht's other project Gladius the Fertile is a pretty interesting take on post rock. for sure a check or two is needed.

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 

 

Stockades - Demo (2012)

Stockades bring the Aussie calculations to the hearts and minds with this delicious demo. I don't remember demo's sounding this good...ever. Screamo style vox with some schizo tap a tap guitars under the influence of some math dance jam? Also theres a saxophone that pops up and makes the chill parts sound that much more jawsome. Problem only TWO SONGS! ok for now you get a pass stockades....for now.

Demo

Civil - EP

Refreshed is how I like to feel when I listen to a math rock band for the first time. Like opening your bedroom window after a long rest.....and then being assaulted with guitars trading time signatures.

Many times the influences hang so heavy that I cant push past the Vietnamese brush of tera melos and don cab sound alikes. 

Civil is a group from Toronto, Canada that is technical yet pop oriented, a perfect balance all the way.

This is what youd call "OTHER SUNDRIES"

Great structures, powerful drums, amazing vox and guitar riffs that I feel are pretty unique. Its a pretty new EP and not something I've heard many people yacking about so it's certainly time these gents get some due props. It really is that amazing and I cant really put my finger exactly on what it is. Sure there is a fair bit of tapping going on but thats not really unique unto itself. Just that the sum of everything going on is super impressive. The vocals also occationally shift to do some atypical things for the genre but you can discover that on your own :)

Listen to this.

Now.

Are You?
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Edit:  I'm being told by Chris from the group that he would like to be considered under the "sundries" catagory. Consider it done sir.

CIVIL