Year End Round Up (part 1)

This is by no means a post to down play the sweetness of any of the groups below. All of these fine releases have been on my person for a spell and as 2012 comes to an end I need to have some closure. This will be a multi-part post and continue through December.

side bar: why is there not a band called "progressive knife"?

Mayors of Miyazaki 
dropped a nice little split with death pedal's in Nov. I keep coming back to their brazen all out attack. Punchy production and some nice shouty math's. watch these kittens
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Little Hunts
is a one man effort that indulges more the post rock end of the math spectrum but certainly no less exciting for it. Jamie Darken weaves some pretty interesting math rock twists in what seems to be his first outing. Really interesting and strong ideas. However I could really use some live drums. 

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Neur
Has a really nice mix of driving post-punk, indie rock and math rock. mixing and matching where needed to great effect. Really tidy little EP that proves a lot in its 6 track length. Well done vocals as well. Some left field moments really spice this outing up and have me highly excited for something new. Must Have. Must Have. 2010 you say? yea well I cant be on time to every party.

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Hikes - Shepards Clock (2012)

First off...take a moment...breath.... now click on the bandcamp link below and listen to the track Hikes has on for display. Come back when you are done I'll wait here.
















WTF?@!  THAT OPENING RIFF IS DEVASTATINGLY GORGEOUS. OMFLIP.

Seriously it could open a portal into another dimension. The rest of the song? equally gorgeous. These cats have something truly special brewing and I need more of whatever they are currently dishing out. Math Rock? yea sure but that guitar has clear Folk finger picking down home goodness baked in. harmonies? check. Sweet memorable melodies? check. Soaring boy/girl vocals? check. If this was part of an album and every song was this arresting I would dare say I'd need to block off some time to digest it. Can't say enough good things about this other than "I NEED MORE"


hikes

One Lick Less - & we could be quiet

Been sitting on this duo for a bit. Not for lack of enjoyment but just for processing sake. This as a lot of my posts lately has some questionable math validity however traces do crop up. This two dude affair is a mix of moody post-rock, improv, indie rock and some folk rock style guitar riffs.  The BPM's on display here are more of the slow core variety however this should deter no one. Very clear old school 90's flavors as well.  Some vocals as well. Check er

onelickless

At Years End....Almost

We are quickly approaching the end of our very own year 2012. There have been a A LOT of math rock releases with many of them still in heavy rotation for myself. I highly dislike year end lists...for a number of reasons that I'm not going to get into. Boring bits. However I would like to point out two groups that have managed to keep my brain in a death strangle hold since earlier in the year. 

 

#1:Renaissance Sound. 

I 

cant 

stop 

listening 

to this EP. 

Honestly just so fresh and interesting. While many of the groups this year falling on the well worn "rock" portion of "math rock" these cats are laying down highly calculated jazz that hints at math. Sure some of you may question how valid this position is given that you could argue this is just straight jazz. But come on at the heart of this release youve got a honest to god math group. With another EP on the way I am very much hoping these gentlemen continue to capture my heart. 

PoS

Bandcamp

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Another wild exception to this would almost certainly have to go to Gastric Bands brain melting mutant world music math.

Heavy on the percussion with interesting rhythms all over this beast. Classic progressive rock mixed with equal parts math. Truth be told this is what I need when I am listening to a math group do their thing. Again being able to go out on a limb and trying something a little left of center goes a long way.

PoS

bandcamp 

Both of these groups get a gold star in my book this year and I couldn't be more excited to hear from both in the future.

-Ace

Louie Baltazar - These were the days

Electro ambient math that could be equated to a nice walk through the park in the best way possible. Ups for trying for something off the path a bit and tends to follow at times a zefs chasing cara vibe. A very guitar oriented affair as well. Check it out please and thank you.

louiebaltazar

Ilya - Mutyuma

Curve ball coming right to your faces peeps. Ilya is a japanese group that plays a very singular style of music. Truthfully very little of it has to do with math rock... sue me. That does not mean it lacks in pure musical excellence. This stuff is a mix of classical music styled instrumentation, post-rock, metal and progressive math. The way these pieces fit together is the true star here because under less capable hands this could be an ugly ugly mess. HIGH REC's.


Link in comments :)

Avian Architecture - Gemini Talons (EP)

The spirit of psychedelic prog runs strong with these two ghost runners.  But to tag as an automatic throw back? nah brah shit is updated and upgraded. Heavy electronic elements and a drummer that seriously never takes a millisecond break. Is this mathy? eehhhh id be hard pressed to make a case for that but there are certain songs that have there moments. however those that enjoy such ventures will latch right onto the frentic drums and chaotic music. 

Zorch on some kind of roids bender? yea maybe

avianarchitecture

Fugue (2009-2012)

Easily my favorite local band from Connecticut that I've also had the privilege to befriend and share the stage with, Fugue was a 5 (later 6) piece instrumental act that breathed some life into an otherwise drab scene at the time and the following they would eventually build in their too-short time together gave me some hope for my home state's musical output.

With influences spanning from Toe and Tera Melos to black metal and post rock, their 3 ep's show a natural progression in songwriting, and texture and dynamics fully backed by entrancing, passionate live performances. I'll stop sounding like a fanboy and let the music speak for itself, their albums are all free from their bandcamp, Years being their most accomplished effort but I'll always consider their debut, Ancient Glass and their signature live song, "The Sleep of Reason..." my favorite.

FUGUE

3dCosby - Satans Secret (2012)

My great state of New York is home to many amazing musical acts. In the realm of Math Rock the number only seems to be growing. 3dCosby are an interesting case when it comes to the typical smash and grab math we post here. Sure certain passages and songs can make the claim but there is a much stronger progressive vibe running through these pieces. It is to the duo's credit that they manage to internalize a lot of loved genre's into very much there own deal. Dont like one song? well chances are there will be something for you as these guys seem incredibly comfortable bouncing back and forth on whim. Check er ut.

3dcosby

Russian Blue - Etiquette EP (2012)

Some really good UK based math rock with equal parts indie rock lovins. Vocals are plentiful and add to the proceedings. Nice breakdowns and some curves thrown in for the ADD crowd (myself included) Solid stuff here peepsis.

russianblue

Deer Legs - Demo

Strong willed demo as it is this three piece from Chicago busts out of the gates with some promising tunes. Large levels of instrumentality. Very excited to hear the final products of these sketches :)

deerlegs

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

Ten Past Seven

These guys are frickin awesome!! i cant believe i forgot to post them before!? went to see them play last night....hadn't seen them play in a few years. they still have bucket loads of energy!!

Ten Past Seven are a three-piece instrumental shower from Kerry. In 2006 they released their debut album "Shut Up Your Face" on Out On A Limb Records. 2007 saw the band climb Carrantuohill (Irelands tallest mountain) and release the split 7" with Los Langeros "The Highest Bands In Ireland". Over the last few years they've toured Ireland extensively, played support to their heros and made jaunts overseas.
Their latest EP, ‘Bothar Buí’ (2010) very much reflects how a young band chose not to remain static but to constantly evolve and move forward. The title track features vocals by Katie Kim as well as remixed tracks by Kevin Blake, Toby Kaar and Molotov Ape and Laura Sheeran. However, this is not just about the sound; ‘Bothar Buí’ has been produced with a limited run of 100 pieces of slate each imprinted with an individual image. The are constantly developing new ideas and ways to deliver their music without the constraints of convention and finding alternative ways to carry their sound and concepts through to different audiences.

BANDCAMP
DOWNLOAD

Wishbone - Et Cetera (2012)

I am a large dork for anything progressive and post-hardcore. To make a long boring story short I was just listening to this new (ish) release by a band from South Jersey called Wishbone that fires on all cylinders. Has a little bit of mathy elements but check your bags at the door this is some nasty post-hardcore with inspired structures and solid vox.

et cetera

Hello Jupiter - Do I Dare.. (2012)

These three gentlemen have managed to release a formidable EP here. Truthfully I've been holding this one close to my chest...its a stunner. Surprised I haven't seen more math bro's hoisting the main sails for this. Technical instrumentally without being annoying?, check.  This is even pretty vocal heavy as well and as you could guess its floats without a hitch. Maybe what I appreciate most is its very obvious restless nature. From point to point pleasantly wonderful curveballs get thrown in but they never seem out of place. Stop and listen, it's been a minute since I've taken in something this assured in the math pop/rock realm. 

do-i-dare

ps: that freaking first song....jesust so good.

Ribbons - The Return of RBZ (2012)

 Very pastoral math rock with a high attention not only to the instruments but the very excellent vocals. Maybe even a little post-emo? eh its just quality stuff in these all to short four songs.  Call me a sucker but  I am always attracted to these one man projections. Matt Kiefer does a brilliant job of balancing all of the elements and creating a highly engaging package. This cup is full ladies and gents do not miss this one.

RIBBONS

Jazz for Kids - B A B (single)

Consider this a bookmark of sorts for this up and coming release by Jazz for Kids. The vision of one artist, Jeremy Myint. All that I have to say is "wow". This is some self assured music that blends a couple more progressive genre stylings in an extremely pleasant way. Math rock via guitar tapping melded with Jazz fusion (not your fathers fusion mind you). With a lot of these one man efforts the ability to translate "intricate" styles and make them seemingly "effortless" is something that has always attracted me to projects such as this. That being said the crown jewel here I would say are these vocals that perfectly dance atop the proceedings in a way that only the composer of this music could.  So if your still saying "why all the fuss about one song?" well im making the call now.  Come Dec. when the full release comes out its going to be something a whole lot of math heads will be rubber necking about. You wont be sorry. 

jazzforkids

Grass is Green

gush gush gush gush.

I'll admit when our "Mr Troop of Echoes" drummer Dan Moriarty first brought their 2011 effort to my attention..I wasn't sold. A girl's allowed to change her mind right??!! Well now is your chance to learn from my mistake. High Energy extremely creative indie prog.  Seriously when these songs turn corners I want to pump my first and scream "GREAT FRICKEN IDEA" haha. This is going to sound maybe a bit off base but think of a youthful and excited version of Polvo. Really inspired rock music that is one hard animal to pin down. Sure they clearly love them some prog rock and math nastiness but the indie rock vibe is strong and blah blah blah. At this juncture just go to their bandcamp and get your knowledge on. This is music to be listened to..not explained. Let me shut me yammer.

grassisgreeen  

Prismatic Mantis - Umbrella (2008)

In the mood to exit the room your sitting in? Stick those headphones in because this is something thats sure to take your mind away for at least the duration of of this record.

Prismatic Mantis inhabit a realm of ambient shifts that glide toward controlled chaos.  Within this ecosystem at odds, the creatures that have acclimated to such a habit truly run the range as well. Acoustic spanish tinged guitar, space-jazz (space-jam?), math rock, electronic, controlled noise, sampled music and progressive rock. All of this and more with a layer of psychedelia blanketed on top. I use these organic words because what you're about to experience is a very natural sounding project that is incredibly honest.  With everything firing its easy to assume that it could come off incredibly cold....this is the furthest from the truth one would imagine.

I can't stress this enough. This is beautiful work from individuals that have a clear vision and are artistically restless. Rarely does one run head first into a work so dense and chalk full of ideas. To close, I would like to thank those responsible for opening my vision and to plead to our limited readers that this is something that you should not pass by without giving this a heavy listen.

 umbrella

Racquets / Exchampion

 Getting smacked in the face by music is one of my more favorite things to have happen to me when I have a first run through of an album.

Racquets - occupies a space in music that is electronic but also with live instrumentation. sounds simple enough however this stuff is (((((INCREDIBLY)))) busy, jazzy, occationally funky, and one of our over used words here "mathy". Everyone should be excited about this because it is just something you've gotta check out. The production on those nimble drums just sets my heart ablaze with love. jesus christmas nuts this is one those groups that just as you think they are done doing something sweet THEY DO SOMETHING EVEN MORE BRAIN MELTING. PLEASE!

Exchampion - A side project of Raquets is similiar in some ways but different in some pretty interesting ways. Exchampion while still seemingly having some live instrumentation seems more focused on synth's and different sounds than their main project. I perfer the above better but its kind of like saying I prefer green tea to peppermint tea, both rock me to my core.

please do yourselves a favor :)