Empyrean Atlas - Inner Circle (2014)

Its easy to become disenchanted with guitar based noodle rock, lets just be honest with each other. There is a hell of a lot out there these days. I am happy to say that I am late to the party on one band that really pushes the envelope when it comes to complex guitar rock.

Empyrean Atlas (NY) operate far closer to the aesthetics of modern composition than almost any of their counter parts. Coupled with the fact that they have performed/recorded with an array of artists (including Philip Glass Ensemble and Steve Reich) you might start drawing some sound conclusions.

Intricately laid guitar works that dance and cut like a practitioner of the math rock arts but with some noted stand outs. There is a clear jones for melody and tone that is easily displayed in every song. Rather than boorish fret gymnastics you get something that sounds...carefree..almost easy...breezy...beauti... To think that couldn't be farther from the truth however. These compositions are razor structured and truly a testament to genius level calculations.

Songs do operate in very much the same ways though. BPM's are on cruise control but dynamic shifts do happen. But like its modern comp brethren the compositions are more concerned with repetition and small shifts. It's incredibly nit picky really and possibly a byproduct of my penchant for aggressive shifts in mood. This is an album that needs to be heard...bottom line. Unlike a lot of bands in this ilk, Empyrean Atlas have easy appeal to all manner of music appreciators.  I implore anyone with even a passing interest to really sink their teeth into this band. After repeated listens there are more and more things to discover.

Empyrean Atlas

Chapter Books - Pep Talks (2013)

Fellow new yorkers Chapter Books have laid down a pretty enjoyable first effort. Its got a lot of that excellent harder edged emo revival going on but of course its always in the differences that I tend to latch to. The guitars here have a clear attachment to math rock and it injects even more soul into this project. Add a varied vocals approach with some punk energy and you have yourself an incredibly self assured album for a new group. Each song has its own identity that has me wondering what a new release will bring with some time. More of this please?

chptrbks

Ithaca NY 7/10/13: MTMTM, Cameron Wisch, Perhaps, Our Daily Fix, Nicknames, Sovereignties

Ithaca NY 7/10/13:

Tour season has been in full swing for a bit now and it has been no exception for one of my favorite local bands (Mouth to Mouth to Mouth) that are currently on tour with Cameron Wisch as both their touring guitarist and as a solo act. 

Sadly I happened to miss most of Sovereignties set which happened to sound pretty killer walking into. Really wished I could have caught more of it as it seemed a pretty fair blend of spot on drums and mathy emo guitar. Nicknames (sans new bassist) did a highly energetic run through of their set which was a decent take on more classic 90's emo sounds with the very in scream/sing vox. 

Perhaps came on next and was certainly a group that I was excited to experience live. Their blend of psychedelic prog I knew would be perfect for an in your face performance.  An unimaginable amount of endurance must go into practices with these guys as it was about a 30 minute non stop straight assault to my brain. Extremely impressive as the lines between rehearsed portions and improv were blended seamlessly. In talking with the bassist after the show composition falls squarely on his shoulders and that was perfectly clear watching him play almost in a trance of bass runs.

Our Daily Fix next as always puts on an amazing show and it was great to hear the newer songs on their tour single again. What is great about these guys is the balance of that emo "skramz" sound and some highly technical jazz prog math. Not too mention any horns in a math rock band get automatic extra points. No band does it as good as ODF and they prove it each and every time I see them. Ending with "Two Cats" put a big old smile on my face for sure. Wonderful stuff. 

It was a bit hard to guess what Cameron Wisch was going to pull out for the night as he has seemed pretty focused on his modern comp pieces. Which for the most part is exactly what we were treated to albeit with pre-recorded strings (obviously) and guitar and vocals from Cameron. Doing things in that way is incredibly difficult but was pulled off with near flawless accuracy. It was a great change of pace for the show thus far slowing things down a bit. For the last two songs Cameron had stolen Gabe (MTMTM's) drummer for two songs that were more in the style of fast alt math that we are used to from him. With the short amount of time Gabe had to pull this off (as you could guess Mr. Wisch's drum parts are never straight forward) Gabe did a superb job.

Last but certainly not least was Mouth to Mouth to Mouth minus Corey (stuck in Chicago) plus Cameron Wisch on second guitar. With four practices under their belts together it was a disgustingly amazing performance and a show stealer in my opinion. These guys have synthesized a large amount of influences into an incredibly engaging blend of punk rock energy and technical prowess via the maths. Great emotional breakdowns and pleasing mid range tap fests all are mashed into a pie that is as fun to eat as it is to watch.  It may seem like I am playing favorites but they certainly should be getting some heavy cred with all the wokr they've been pouring in. Having just finished playing Rochester and Buffalo the boys are currently in Canada about to rip it up in Toronto and then Montreal:

7/13: Toronto (house show) w/ Junior Bob

7/14: Montreal at Casa del Popol w/ Golden Python, tba

7/15: Ithaca w/ GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! // Goddard

Yes you see that correctly ill be back soon with another review after Monday's show with the boys in double G's. All is right in the world. 

Beach Parade - Tour Loko EP (2011)

Eli one of our fine members of the PoS had gotten me wise to these guys a little while back. I can safely say I am embarrassed to have missed such excellently crafted and instrumentally complex punk music from Ithaca NY. It's got that insane energy with great powerful vocals and some extremely inspired dual guitars. If your in the mood from some high flying rock then let this be your first stop of the night.

Beach Parade

Mugsy Boges - Sangfroid (2012)

Saratoga Springs NY based band that is holding down some really interesting jams here.
I say this because there are a lot of genres being bandied about. Indie rock, twinkly guitars, straight up math rock, alt rock and a spritz of pop punk for flavor. In spirit I kind of get a little bit of a Grown Up's vibe going and this can only mean good things. I appreciate the playing style here as it is pretty loose which isn't usually something I get totally down with. These guys are younger and its a first release but I say pretty dang darn stronger than a lot of first efforts. The vocals actually ended up surprising me in a good way on that second track. Worth the peaking effort as there is certainly something for everyone.

mugsyboges