(Upcoming) Strawberry Girls - French Spiritual (2013)

Incoming threat....this is going to level your face.

Strawberry Girls.  Epic Instrumental Math Riffery

Check the couple tracks already out then hit the previous years release.

WRD

strawberrygirls

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

Sordid Sidearm: Reggie Watts- Why Shit So Crazy (2010)

I have been a big fan of Reggie Watts for a few years, but apparently that is just not long enough. Although I know this deadly dudeman as a hilariously talented musical comedian, he has been an active musician since studying the piano at the age of five, eventually going to college studying jazz, preforming in a great number of musical groups in various capacities, and slowly learning how to compose and perform solo using his skills on his looping pedals, keyboards, and acapella vocal chops. Now, at the ripe age of 41 and a solid 20 years into his musical career, he is well versed in bringing a killer show to an audience.

Those of you who may not know of Reggie might be surprised to learn he has composed a few current theme songs (the intro music to both Key and Peele and Comedy Bang Bang spring to mind), acts as sidekick to Scott Aukerman on the Comedy Bang Bang IFC show, has brought his skills to TED Talks, and just recently released a 30 track live/ studio comedy album, Why Shit So Crazy. Although it is nice to hear his skill put under the microscope that a studio recording affords (as demonstrated in songs like Fuck Shit Stack), his live shows are just as tight as studio tracks with the added bonus of his monologues and skits that run between, and sometimes during, songs; in short, I enjoy the art of his performances immensely. The video I continue to show friends is a song he did on Conan around the time Why Shit So Crazy was released. Not only is it hilarious, but it really showcases his skills in both his musical/ technical abilities and also how disarmingly goofy he presents himself when on the stage.



why shit so crazy?

metaghostin' Vol. XVII — Iniquitous Uniquity

Iniquitous Uniquity - 40'53"

///

1. Cnestorial / Krallice / Krallice (2008)
2. Jim Jones / Taking Meds / Demo (2013)
3. Summer Devon / Piles and Piles / Premonitions (2013)
4. Out of Reach / Lydia's Sleep / Wires (2012)
5. Harmonize It / Vasquez / EP426 (2013)
6. Fish pt. 2-3 (Actual Fish) / The Slaughterhouse 5 / Alban B. Clay (2013 - Unreleased)
7. Interlude#1 > Pirol / The Season Standard / Caudle Cameo (2006)
8. Effervescent / inside//outside / inside//outside (2013)

///

Name your favorite Borges villain here:

Hikes - Friends (2013)

Last time on the Swords....

My last words were based on my reaction to their song "Shepherds Clock" which I had some pretty strong feelings about :) Now we are have a full length to fully grasp what this Texas group is laying down.

What I enjoy about these guys (and gal) is that there is an incredibly honest mashing of folk/folk rock and math. To my own bias however I feel they do their best work when the math is out in force....and unfortunately thats not very often. But the great news is without the overt tapping and awesome drums this functions as a gorgeous folk rock record. The low points though are realistically minor because this is a very enjoyable first outing for these guys. "Trophy Lives" is another incredibly well balanced track just like the aforementioned song. Its incredibly admirable to see a band doing something left of center and succeeding at a high level.  Everyone is going to really take a liking to this and its a damn crime that more people aren't trumpeting their praises.

SO GOOD!

ps its free guys so really there's no excuses ;)

Friends

The Season Standard - Caudle Cameo

  

Last time on Plenty of Swords..

Forgive me on this as we are working a bit backwards but I was unaware that this german prog math group had a demo before my previously posted full length.

In my opinion this is a much more raw take on the group and is certainly the more impressive choice. Make sure to check my impressions of their full length above as well.

SS

Polar Horse - David Powell Lives in a Box

Attention caught....

Slightly jazzy. altogether mathy

Really need more than one song to make a proper assessment but I enjoy the ideas and can see this being shaped into something incredibly solid.

Your on watch horse.

polarhorse

Snort - Ron (2013)

I've been sitting on this a bit because im a bit torn. In the span of a song there a many different ideas and rhythms.  It ends up feeling a bit like idea's are thrown at the wall and what happens to stick..sticks. The more and more I take the time to listen though there is a lot of heart and that honestly is the deciding factor sometimes.  The restless nature of the band does lend itself well to not being pegged to hard on any one area. off kilter art rock cozy's up nicely with post rock style math which in turn moves to some more straight forward rocknroll (though not often)

Have to say that the main riff in "Option Tank" gets stuck in my head A LOT. Its so deliciously angular yet anthemic.

snort

Pilgrimage - EP (2013)

Solid state four piece from sunny Florida. I say sunny because in upstate New York we are still in the throws of this death winter, such is life.

Pilgrimage melt genres like a 3 cheese pizza of deliciousness. Structure wise and pacing goes to post-rock. math rock and post hardcore sensibilities round this beauty out. Not overly technical but certainly no slouching here and theres a fair bit of twists and turns to keep your brain alert for predators. Vocals make their presence known and are generally powerful and add a powerful dynamic to the proceedings.

The influences on the shoulder are many but its clearly well loved and cared for by these gentlemen. Worth a gander to be sure.

PLGRMGE

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

Couteaux - Sail West to Reach The East (2012)

There is just something so beautiful to me about the mix of post-hardcore with math rock. Consider adding in the mix some POP hooks and strong vocals...and...well you've got a group ready for just about anything.

Couteaux seem perfectly at home melting these riff heavy gems around a metal and post rock center. But talk is talk folks and the proof is certainly in this pudding. If its sounding great to you on paper I can assure you that you wont be let down by these guys in the least.

Ridiculous

couteaux

yoso-wa-yoso - Terraformed (2013)

\
Japanese math rock might have been born after our brand but they constantly upstage even our most glowing examples.

I'm honestly not going to gush about this and I very well could. Just go listen...really it's that good.

ONE
acerola

yoso-wa-yoso

Langosta - Super Nature EP (2013)

damn kid....

some of the busiest fracking post rock I have heard in a good looooong time. the math is tasteful and goes down smooth. Minor gripe? maybe mixed a bit to high. but everything sounds as it should. does not take away the hidden treasures buried in these songs. Great memorable guitar lines abound. I know nothing of these cats if any one does drop me a line. I am hella impressed.

 Langosta

Piles and Piles - Premonitions Say (2013)

Jesus christmas cracker those are some lush sounding guitars ma'right? Loving the boot staring elements that are sprinkled on this here album as well. Immediate things aside this is some pretty calculated math rock.  Piles and Piles do a fine job of not only bringing the instrumental biz but the vocals are honestly a great addition. Tempo's here are medium to slow and thats more than fine..again back to the shoe gazing.  Get this clear though these song weren't crafted in zero gravity they all move along at a fair clip and remain interesting. Nice to see something a little left of center getting its due's.

pilesandpiles

Renaissance Sound - II

There are moments that you hang to in complete anticipation.  The wait of what will be...or not. This was that album for me.

After their first album Renaissance Sound had left me with the hope of the future. Their self-titled really struck a chord with me about the boundaries of truly what math rock could be. To me..it was something that I had been waiting to run into through my years of searching. A group that could take jazz structures and heart but could still infuse that with the energy and sensibilities of math rock.

Which brings us to the second release, II. While I didn't expect ground breaking progression there are areas where I can safely say this improves upon the formula they've laid. It is clearly apparent that this group has only become tighter this time around. Compositions are practically teaming with twists and turns. While their first effort was a bit more relaxed this is a Renaissance Sound completely restless with creativity. Speed is certainly one of the areas that has been ramped up considerably. Instrumentally everyone has brought their A game (shocker) but im going to go out on a limb and say MVP for this one is the bassist. Ridiculous Ridiculous run's are everywhere on this beast. As well to say that some of the more memorable moments come from his melodic phrasing.

Enough analyzing really...because this is a solid gold hit right here. Its going to be a difficult one to unseat for me this year, just like last year. I'm relieved that they have taken their proven methods, expanded upon them and given us an incredibly dense jazz math rock record for our first quarter of 2013.

Stunner. All Around.

ii

Eat The Sun - In Case of Flood (2013)

                      
The moons apparently have aligned for this incredible band to exist. A distillation of every exciting math rock moment you've heard jammed into a three minute song. Blinding fast turns and some ridiculous instrumentation all over this mother.

Eat The Sun are a four piece from Colorado.  The closest approximation of sound to another band would be the legendary You Slut!

Reason being? well both never rest on their laurels for long and there is a clear understanding of what makes a "memorable" guitar line. 

Points of departure? even 3 seconds in its very clear ETS have a sick knowledge of their instruments...meaning in a dual these cats would be hill topped especially those drums.


These guys are a lot of fun though really and honest to god your going to enjoy every blind twist they through in for you. I am finding it difficult to stop listening so that certainly means all of you fine folks out there sincerely need this in your lives.

ETS

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

An Anderson - Parts (2013)

Let me start by saying that Art rock is sadly not represented enough in math rock these days. 

An Anderson perfectly bridge discordant guitars and post-punk sensibilities into the herky jerk rhythms we crave.  

The point of failure in most art rock is cranking the guitar knob to "annoyingly abrasive". 

An Anderson balance some pretty inspired riffage with pop undertones to avoid this problem altogether. The post-punk vibe going on always lends itself well to labyrinthine structures and so ends the other piece to this pretty incredible pie. 

parts

Megason - Glitch (2013)

(From Submission)

 

Three piece Megason hail from Tel Aviv, Israel and offer a pretty interesting math blend that everyone should be able to appreciate. 

 

At the core this is some balls to the wall metal level biz with some old school grunge. 

 

Dirty Math? 

From the metal stand point you can be positive that there are atomic level guitar riffs being layed out thick. Math heads shouldn't worry too much as the twists completed by the drum and bass should be enough to stop you from dancing in 4/4...at least for too long :)

Vox are pretty front and center also which tend to air on the side of 90's. Not a bad thing as the amount of old and new school flavors mix very well with each other.

Side note: I miss that guitar tone. anyone else with me on that?

 

Another delightful submission

take a bite

megason