Review Summary: japanese do it better
Math rock is a funny term. Most bands that are categorized as math rock utilize complex instrumentation and jarring time signatures that force the listener to really pay attention to what's happening in the music. At its worst, math rock can be unpersonable and boring, displaying a lack of effort to connect and instead simply flexing virtuoso chops. But at its best, math rock can craft wholly sentimental records that also involve the most technical of skill. 3nd's
View From Here does exactly that, its forte coming from the band's songwriting prowess combined with a masterful display of musicality. It proves a satisfying, fun listen that also conjures a multitude of emotions.
A lot of what makes 3nd so great is their ability to forge free-flowing, effortlessly solid compositions in an attempt to showcase what they can do. "Clockworker" is a pure treat, the roiling bass exerting itself at the front of the song, boasting its considerable muscle, as the rest of the band cruises along for the ride. Speaking of which, the bass on
View From Here is exquisite, easily supplanting itself at the forefront of the LP, booming and echoing loudly in almost every song. It's considerably impressive when you grasp onto the fact that with exception of Battles, very few math rock bands employ a substantial amount of the instrument in their music. It's really quite unique and definitely improves the quality as a whole. The plethora of moments that pack conviction and exhilaration is vast, as 3nd produce a scintillating arrayal of arrangements.
Make no mistake, this record won't change your life. It's just that what it does, it does extremely well, and that's creating joyous, breath-taking math rock.
View From Here seemed as though a downright elementary task for 3nd, all the pieces coming together in a succinct, yet enrapturing fashion. Truly, 3nd's
View From Here is a product of massive proficiency and wholescale passion.
