In the summer of our lord 2026, it’s well established that it’s possible to split the difference between hyperpop and math rock. The hi-hat heavy, syrupy production of the former compliments the meticulous nature of the latter, and while there’s a number of artists and records we could point to as proof, if the above premise interests you, betrayflip would be our first recommendation.
Without going into project personnel (which definitely counts for something here), betrayflip has an undeniable sense of melodic and harmonic prowess. Underneath the smooth vocals are jazzy, classically-informed counterpoints that unfold with aplomb, from two-handed tapping to complex chords. But thanks to the very nature of those elements, by the time average math rock enjoyers get to track 2 they’re almost sure to find themselves thinking “hey – is this CHON?”
And no, it’s not. While the project is mostly the endeavor of Erick Hansel, and it’s true that Mario, Esiah, and Nathan Camarena have credits all over the place, it’s definitely something else. Still, that’s bound to bring goosebumps to everyone who realizes how special it is that we get to see them all in the same place again, but it also poses an interesting quandary. We probably shouldn’t look at this as some kind of epilogue to CHON, but it is going to bring a lot of people closure.
Again, all personnel and recognition aside, it’s an extremely enjoyable trip that blends lo-fi, modern emo, hyperpop, and math into something that flows effortlessly. Without sounding terribly same-y track to track, The Nowhere Place sets a consistent scene filled with wild guitars, chill beats, and cloud rap vocals often reminiscent of Joji.
Once you’ve spun it a couple times you can tell that betrayflip is a conscious step past Erick and co’s math rock roots, even if it uses much of the same palette. Some songs really do sounds like they could have come from the Homey sessopms or expand on what CHON explored on WooHoo!, and it’s probably going to restart a lot of conversations on whether or not that band was truly math rock.
Back in the day we used to spend hours talking to people about whether or not bands like CHON, Standards, Polyphia and Covet were actually math rock due to liberal usage of common time. Ultimately, we found ourselves rooting for both sides. Real ones know math rock sucks (T-shirt reissues coming soon we hope) but the realest ones take after one Howard Moon: “When I see a boundary, I eat a boundary.”
Regardless, records like The Nowhere Place expose the limitations of the ‘is it math rock’ debate – no matter what you call it, betrayflip have dropped a record with undeniable appeal, and we can’t wait to see how the rest of the community receives it. For us, it was much needed, and we have a feeling many will feel the same.
(Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more music, check out our Bandcamp compilations here. If you like us, or possibly even love us, donations are always appreciated at the Buy Me A Coffee page here as well. Don’t let the bastards get you down!)