(Editor’s Note: Every once in a while we’re asked why there aren’t more Don Caballero puns around the site, and you know what? Maybe we haven’t lived math rock, maybe that’s on us. Either way, Singles Broken Up is meant to function as a speed date of sorts for readers short on time but still find themselves thirsting for math rock new and notable, so… meet the singles. Here’s hoping you’re ready to mingle, because this week we’ve got you covered with the drops below:)
Tenchio x With Sails Ahead – “LAST DAY (for now)”
If you’re looking for futuristic maximalism that cuts through genre and reaches for your throat, you’ve found some of the best there is with this collab. With its breakneck pace and furiously beautiful delivery, “LAST DAY” is about to dominate Fall math rock playlists – in fact, we dare you not to play it back again the second it’s done.
Manor Gates – “Too Much Brooding”
This Columbus trio has undeniable emo songwriting chops, but they also know how to please meticulous math rock fans with unexpected chords, call-and-response guitars, and vocals that feel larger than life. There’s even a fairly chunky breakdown, and if you listen closely, some insane grows in the background as well. All in all we’re just really stoked to hear the album in full once it’s out.
SEMUTA – “Slow Decay”
Portland strikes again with SEMUTA, who take mathematical post-rock tapestries and weave them around metallic song structures. There’s even a bit of sludge and stoner rock around the edges in the vein of Intronaut or High on Fire, so altogether, for a nine minute single this thing really keeps you on your toes.
Quiet Quiet Quiet – “I Am Both Wound and Knife / Kowaniec”
This polish post- hardcore quartet throws down all kinds of genre curveballs with this double single. In the span of a couple minutes, they jump from math rock to metal core and emo, complete with tempo and meter changes – and that’s just side A.
Yr Knives – “fear&trimbling”
Minimal discordance is a sure way to get our ears pricked up, and we were pretty fascinated by the sounds of this Chicago project once we dove in. While not completely atonal, it’s a vibe that keeps you wondering if there’s going to be a hook that’s not borderline destructive, and the best part is that relief never actually comes.
Dabda – “Choo-Choo”
There’s definitely a math rock palette on display with this South Korean band, but they’ve got psychedelic free-jazz and spacey pop in their pocket too. You’d be crazy to predict where the song is going, but we can easily foresee our readers absolutely loving it for its reckless yet calculated sense of sonic abandon.
Dunce – “Build Mode”
Another double single that refuses to be ignored, this time straight outta Latvia. If you’re looking for something vaguely anthemic but boldly emotional and experimental, it’s probably no surprise to you those two goalposts often feel juxtaposed, but here they nail them both.
(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!)