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

Vasudeva - Life in Cycles (2013)

Over due posting time for New Jersey based group Vasudeva (My apologies guys). My hope is that most of you will scoff at this post as you are already knowledgeable about these busy body post rocksters. Their previous EP has been a favorite of mine since its release in aught 11. Life in Cycles finds the group with a more determined laser focus on atmosphere and a bit longer structures. The success here lies in all of its distinct parts firing on high levels. Both guitarists share a role in the proceedings with an almost lead guitar and rhythm vibe albeit neither seems stuck in one for too long. Bass fleshes out this business with chocolate milk chords that roll over the landscape and help build that above mentioned atmosphere. Drummer Derek? well its clear this cat is trained...possibly even at a classical level. His play style is effortless and technical without reaching down your throat. More so however is the drum licks are memorable and always fitting to the proceedings. It was a pleasure to catch them live fairly recently and beyond being really chill guys they bring the heat live. Honest to christmas when they ripped into "Back to the Feeding Ground" first song I thought someone punched me in the face (an awesome punch in the face) Their set is meticulous and sounds like much time has been put in with not just song writing but performance sound. Get up and get into this guygals.

VASUDEVA

Syndicate Fest 2013! and Guillemet

A few points of interest for you Canadian kitties and/or folks willing to make the drive (it'd be well worth it) Syndicate Fest (Toronto) is this Saturday and theres a massive amount of talented artists playing. The great horned owl that is Mouth to Mouth to Mouth will be there as well as Gulfer, Tiny Moving Parts, Bullet Proof Tiger, Oshwa, Junior Bob, Noxious Foxes..are few groups playing..you get the idea...the sweetness.

But but but! Our next group on deck for the checking of the out is Guillemet from Chicago that bring out a relentless hardcore punk deaths head with the structural integrity of time shifting doctor who. Mathy without the noodles. It seems as though member wise this is the voltron uniting work of two groups namely Para-medics and Options. Whom you should be versed in at this point and if not well then
you've got some work to do.

Losses - (DEMO) red intent/untitled (2013)

Vancouver cats Losses have dropped  an atomic warhead of a demo track. You can practically see the teeth on this beast as you're listening. These guys had some incredibly well done demos in 2012 that find themselves in pretty heavy rotation in my life. This new pair of tracks offers a double dose of post hardcore riff racket experimental ambient total hardcore math rock twist. Please go engulf, its just that crazy golden.

RED INTENT/ UNTITLED

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

Memória de Peixe - 7/4 (2012)

A looping pedal isn't an automatic slam dunk into math rock glory. But in the case of  Memória de Peixe from Portugal this duo get the job done with some highly inspired on the fly looping. To me the key to perfect use is "if I dont know your using it then you win" This is a hot track for sure and would love to hear more.

7/4

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

Dios Trio - Mouse Trap (2013)

I feel like after three years of doing this I can be a bit honest with you guys. Dios Trio's last album is pretty damn boring. So I bet you're wondering why I'm posting up a newish song by them? Because this song is the freaking sauce. Every second of it is quality. If this is even a small fraction of the new stuff these guys are working on, then sign my ass up because I want first dibs on this pony ride.



DIOS TRIO

Fight Cloud - Simple Structures ep (2013)

When we last left our intrepid heroes (who apparently cohere into a brawling mass of water particles) they had already made clear that they were in possession of an incredibly mature sound. As their name would suggest, they were at once ambient with soaring vocals yet ready and willing to toss bolts of hefty electric riffs down to earth and send the people scattering amidst skittering rhythms. Simple Structures is their latest release, and while seemingly a smidgen more muscular, these guys haven't gone to great ends to fix what wasn't broken — there ain't a band out now doing what they do at this level of success. So while I generally like to see some progression from release to release, there are instances where I honest to god just want more of what these dudes are serving up.

FIGHTCLOUD

Okkoto - Forchids (2013)

Love this intro; wish it went right into something killer instead of dying out. Some quality parts, but feels a little too patchwork stitched.
OKKOTO

Alarmist - Pal Magnet (2013)

Can we form a committee and talk about how
funtastic this new Alarmist album is?

Why isn't everyone losing their minds over this?

Why are you still reading?!

GO!

ALARMIST IS BETTER THAN YOUR BAND

The Metacarpals - Untitled 1

I'm going to climb onto this rickety limb over here and guess this is a demo...ok fair enough. So why am I talking about this? well because i want....nay I NEEEED the real drums going on here. Guitars have that familiar/ nostalgic hue thats got me hook lined. So yea give me more, give me real, or give me death.

TMC

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

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

David Alfonso Martinez - summersalted (2013)

First, I'd like to get the obvious out of the way...I'm writing because these are some great solo demo songs. Dude's got a nice hushed vocal approach without sounding whiny. Varied instrumental acoustic attack as well with some nicely done Spanish guitar co-opting  which I can always climb on board for. As it says I'm all for getting rid of these programmed drums for a full band approach. David is clearly very comfortable with his cat and in reciprocating fashion the cat is asleep. But this is not cat sleeping music so show some love.

DAM (2013)

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.

Sleep For the Nightlife

Hey! This is a pretty overdue post buuuuut, like all good things, they must happen in their own time. Let's get started: if you're not aware, Toronto's Sleep for the Nightlife is like 11 tons of kobe beef raining down into your maw. I saw these guys a few years back and it was a positively punishing experience, dagger-like precision and grace imbued with incredible power. Instrumental hooks? You like 'em? These guys rain those puppies like Ray Allen does three pointers. Soundwise you've got your wonderfully busy post-rock base with a firm grip on the math realm. Excellent guitar interplay and always interesting kit work. Yet there is enough of the familiar to keep you grounded and waiting for the
next cool moment. Trust me, you won't have to wait long to start loving this.  

Death and the Ninth Day - Man Falls Down Well

I have been patiently waiting on this record to come out ever since I first checked these guys out back at the start of the year. Back then they had just the three tracks of this, with another four to follow. Well I can happily say it was worth the wait, as these guys have laid down some epic tunes with some serious instrumentation. Though not purely Math Rock there is plenty here for you to enjoy, with a sound that to me incorporates indie-sounding tech metal, prog, and a healthy dose of math, to name a few of the styles they weave together. At points they sound a bit like Animals as Leaders covering TTNG tunes (well, that's what struck me when I first heard the track hanging houses).

Gaston - What Time Does Your Train Leave Today (2004)

As promised, I am upping this incredible post-rock group from Berlin called Gaston. Some deep jazz roots and an amazing compositional sense run through this album. The best part? The atmosphere that is built around each idea until it seemingly melts away, only to reform. A trait lacking in a lot groups that try to write ambient tunes from a math rock perspective.

What Time Does Your Train Leave Today