|
| |
|
|
|
Review Summary: m/^2 In the nerdy underbelly of rock and roll, deep within the cluttered realm in which the math rockers dwell, there are few who have managed to focus the frenetic, dizzying energy that the genre is known for into something that truly grooves. That’s not to belittle the mind-bending efforts of bands like Tera Melos or Don Caballero, which, whilst dense and uncompromising, are fantastic artistic achievements in their own right. Instead, I would merely point out that ‘Droids’ – an instrumental math rock record full of accessible, funky riffs and genuinely danceable tunes – is a rare beast to behold.
The three lads from Liverpool keep it simple, achieving a great deal with their humble toolkit. The record literally bursts at the seams with bright, crunchy guitar licks, spiralling around meaty bass lines and crackling drums in a fiery, anthemic mess. It’s loud and hectic, yet never overwhelming, tempered by the band’s post rock tendencies. Reserved, melodic passages swell up here and there, accenting and complimenting Alpha Male Tea Party’s usually boisterous sound and preventing it from growing stale. The end product is wonderfully paced and a joy to listen to, guaranteeing bobbing-heads and tapping-toes from the first listen to the fiftieth.
Despite doing wonders for this record, accessibility is a trait I rarely see lauded by music critics. Challenging, envelope-pushing albums are often revered above all others, with many looking down on those more immediate records that may act as genre gateways for the uninitiated. I generalise, of course, but I do think that many tend to shun that which has the potential for mainstream appeal. Yet simplicity does not equate to mediocrity, and ‘Droids’ is an excellent case in point. Light in experimentation but full of heart, it’s a riotous and cathartic listen that begs to be played over and over again. And so I say this to you, fellow mathematician: put down the calculator and loosen that top button, for the groove is here. And it is good.
|
Album Rating: 4.0
Excuse the rust - I've not written anything up in over a year.
Dis be fun, pls check.
| | |
damn i wish i could do this kinda concise writeup
pos'd m/^2
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Many thanks fren. Idk, I find my attention span lacking these days, I cant stomach writing anything that would require the reader to scroll.
| | |
Funky, groovy, mathy. But does it feel-y?
Pos, by the way, Well done in a brief write-up, gives a good snapshot of what this is.
| | |
I'm gonna have to check this out- sounds pretty interesting.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off
i lov it v much
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Cheers Mars. Give it a whirl; it's a difficult record to hate, I think, even if it isn't your thing.
| | |
Sometimes I find math stuff wanders too much or doesn't have enough weight to hold it down, but I can always give it a once over
| | |
Makes me miss Fang Island.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Never heard of them. If they're anything like this, I'll take that rec.
| | |
Guitar trio equally groovy but a bit cleaner and more fun
| | |
Love you Ben, lovely review. Listening to this now, very fun yes!
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Mars, this likely has the weight your looking for. Its not particularly noodly or big on the treble - more of a midrange record with chunky production.
Explode - sounds like my bag, will check.
Blush my man, glad you're digging.
| | |
If you enjoy 3 guitars locking into a groove with each other you'll dig it. Much like this, it's a good time. Glad I checked the review.
| | |
ooh bookmarking this!!
| | |
Always loved your reviews, will check this.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Lmao these song titles, I'm sold
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Cheers Sowing, means a lot
Lol yeah Kompy, I almost included a line about them - very indicative of the attitude they play with.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
First track I was like "damn this is really sick, if only the vocal mixing wasn't total ass this would be an easy 4.5" then the rest of the album was instrumental so uhh 👍👍👍
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
I'm trying to remember the last time I heard an instrumental rock track as exciting as "Athlete's Face"... shit, maybe not since "Physical Education"?
| | | |
|
| |
