The releases that rub us up the right way…
Giraffes? Giraffes! – Memory Lame (2018)
Guitarist Joseph Andreoli explained the concept of Memory Lame to me. There was no “ah-ha!” moment after we...
EDITORS’ PICKS
Jean Jean – Froidepierre (2018)
I'm starting to feel like I've come a long way with French trio-cum-duo-cum-trio Jean Jean. I first reviewed Symmetry five years ago with the sadly defunct Musical Mathematics.
Dios Trio – II (2018)
Yes, as festive revelers took to booze, Dios Trio took to bandcamp, releasing their second full length album in 7 years, the aptly titled II. We've had our eyes on this one all year. And the final question is: was it worth the wait?
Eyes On Lips – Sounds From A Theme Park (2017)
The consolation of math rock is that the unexpected is expected. The listener is often presented with a non-conventional sensory overload and, as the song finishes, are left picking up the many pieces and trying to make sense of them.
Tippwerk – Exotics (2017)
In Exotics, New York trio Tippwerk prove they are as compelling as they are ephemeral. Having proclaimed their imminent farewell...
And So I Watch You From Afar – The Endless Shimmering (2017)
Since their self-titled release in 2011, And So I Watch You From Afar has been crafting a unique blend of boisterous and energetic instrumental rock, with heavy emphasis on guitar shredding and digital pedal trickery.
Tera Melos – Trash Generator (2017)
Four years have passed since Sacramento-based math wierdos, Tera Melos released their last record, Xe’d out; a gap which, aside from their month-long US tour with Chon and company, earlier this year, has seen the band remain relatively quiet...
Alpha Male Tea Party – Health (2017)
Alpha Male Tea Party have developed a uniquely identifiable sound that stands out amidst the sea of derivative bands we are hearing these days. Their songs have both a meaty weight and blasting energy, as well as a strong sense of melody and an ever-flowing structure. Basically, they play loud, beautifully nasty, groovy hooks, with some nice breathing room in between.
tricot – 3 (2017)
Kyoto trio tricot return with jangling math rock in their highly anticipated third album 3. The sheer musicianship of Ikkyu, Motifour and Hirohiro slapping the listener in the face with the sound of the first trademark high-pitched snare of 'Tokyo Vampire Hotel', the album’s opening track.
Oceanic – Trappist (2017)
Following on from their blazing 2014 debut, Nova Scotia’s Oceanic return with their undeniably heavier Trappist. It is...