Tea Time

GENRE: math rock, jazz I thank Reddit for this suggestion. They seem to have the most eclectic tastes. Rather, it's the people most outspoken about their music tastes that are eclectic. Today I find myself listening to a combination of jazz, math rock, metal, and progressive. I mean, how did they even make this blend of genres work. Although some genres are present more so than others, it's clear that they make creative decisions beyond the conventional. I can be pretty picky about voices like these, but this is quite something else. It's not so edgy as to make me cringe. The cleans are just grounded enough, due to their support from decent lyrics, and an even greater backing track. I think my favorite part about it is the mode that they work in. Of course, it being influenced by jazz, you got to have some gnarly transitions and modal interchanges here and there, and you definitely get hints of that here. I'm a fan. Rating: 8/10

GENRE: math rock What the hell is the combination? What is Cuco  doing on a Polyphia album? As weird as it may seem, it remains a thoroughly digestible song. I like that you can hear exactly where Cuco  placed his influence on this song. Just listen to those melancholic chords and max reverb vocals. I will say that a lot of the piece blurs together, as is my issue with a lot of math rock nowadays. But if it's your thing, fine. I can see why people like this stuff. It's like metal for people who like pop. Rating: 6.5/10

GENRE: math rock tricot  continue to suprise me in their latest release. I've been a bit desensitized to their latest works just because of the timbre and instrumentation. It can get stale after listening on repeat. What does bring me back to this one is the creative use of rhythm and modulations interjected between verses. Although, there is not much to say about the instrumentation in this particular single, I can say some of their sections are highly redeeming. It also seems lately that the singer's melodies have gotten less melodic  over the years, for lack of a better word. My favorite section is undoubtedly the thrasher around two minutes in. Not only does it incorporate an awesome, novel riff, a half-time groove, the accompanying melody is pretty cool too. Of course, soon after we get to typical tricot  stuff. It almost seems like their getting poppier and trying to hit a certain anime  style of rock. I just don't think that's where they excel. Rating: 6.5/...

GENRE: math rock, j-rock Well, I personally know that I said I was getting tired of math rock for its genre-wide timbre and stylistic features. They tend to fall into the same tropes. This song is a little different in that they take a slower route to where they're going. The flute is a really  nice addition to the ensemble. The problem I have with most math rock songs is that they feel like they take the rhythmic complexity first before considering the underlying harmonies. It ends up sounding like chords thrown in a food processor.   On the the other hand, it genuinely feels like JYOCHO  took into consideration the structure of their pieces and the aesthetic of their progressions before turning it on the side with their rhythmic sensibilities. They don't go way off the tracks, and allow the complexity to take the backseat instead of overcomplicating the inherent piece. They're truly something to watch out for. Rating: 9/10

GENRE: math rock, j-rock, japanese It's been awhile since I've listened to Tricot , and personally that's a good thing. They've come out with a lot of material since I've been gone. I was in this transition where I had listened to them a lot, but their particular timbre and sound was sounding stale to me. I was so desensitized to their style that their music wasn't really doing it for me anyway. Taking this break was good, because when I listen to their music again, it really brings back good memories and a firm understanding of why they're so celebrated. Right off the bat, you get this groovy drum beat that I just have to go learn later. As with any of their songs, you get off-beat guitar chords and harmonic licks that guide the vocals. My favorite part of Tricot  music is the flowery melodies. Unfortunately this piece, I don't get quite the same feeling. The verse is nice, but their high-energy chorus doesn't quite have the same impact, especial...

  GENRE: math rock Although they aren't my favorite bands when it comes to this type of intense singing and instrumental music, they certainly have a knack for appearing both interesting aesthetically and musically. I admire the structured composition, consisting of distinct sections to pace and add a journey through the listen. Although, some are more put together than others. The singer reminds me of Kermit the Frog sometimes, but that's just a quirky detail personal to maybe just me. Otherwise, I am a fan of the instrumentals that are evidently not quite as overbearing compared to other pieces within the same genre. Oftentimes it just feels like a solid wall of notes without care for the pauses in between. Not so much the problem here. Rating: 7/10

GENRE: math rock Well, I got back into math rock, and it was about time. I'm feeling completely motivated to improve myself within this specific genre, and what better way to do it then to learn what's out there and up and coming. I've heard about Covet before, and now's the time to dive into their music and figure out exactly what they got going on. Now that I'm practicing math rock techniques, I only have a greater appreciation and understanding for what they can perform. With glimmer in particular, I'm tuning into the specific movement of the chords that underlie the tapping melodies and such. Incredibly atmospheric and radiant, this piece is a great introduction to the genre. Rating: 7/10

GENRE: math-rock Just what the hell is that title? It takes up nearly the entire length of the text bar that I write the titles in. Even then, I'm not even sure how that relates to the song itself, especially when there are no lyrics . Perhaps, this is the entrance theme for the Nicotine Vampire? Is it the maddening sound and rush of drug addiction? I couldn't tell you. What I can tell you is that this is the type of math-rock that I dig. It's got a much heavier, distorted sound. I abhor math rock that over-complicate songs for the sake of making it tough to replay or imitate. With When the Catholic Girls Go Camping, the Nicotine Vampires Rule Supreme , you get a much more coherent piece, with a contemplative, developing middle section that leads to a buildup into a climax. It really showcases their writing chops as well as their ability to play. Even more impressive, you don't really mind that it's just a two-piece band. Man, I'm just really digging their so...

GENRE: math rock I was feeling particularly picky today. I wanted math rock, but a specific sound and timbre from it. I didn't want anything too soft or busy. Oftentimes, the sheer display of technical skill overshadows and buries the harmonic quality.  I eventually decided on this peculiar song. The title is odd, but that's besides the point because the lyrical content itself could apply to any mopey song about love. One thing that stands out is the sheer contrast between the busy math rock in the background behind the slower-paced vocal performances. The multitude of voices is an interesting element as well, but it doesn't seem like they are playing different characters. Overall, the song feels like it attacks too many things in the wrong direction. The composition just seems totally divided, but perhaps it fits better with the theme and the message they're trying to get across.  Rating: 6.5/10

genre: math rock I randomly came upon this piece through a Youtube binge. My, my was it a good pick.  Too infrequently do I feel so elevated after listening to a song like this. It lifts you up and takes you to a different place emotionally. If you couldn't tell, I'm definitely biased towards these types of songs, especially within the math rock genre. Listening to this piece opened my eyes (I guess I should say ears) to what I really  preferred in a song. When asked about my music tastes, I would often claim that I listen to all types of music. To some extent that statement holds true. But after listening to this piece, I can confidently say that this is my type.   Enough of that for now. The piece itself has what I think one of the most memorable, enchanting riffs as its introduction. If it means anything to you, I immediately picked up my guitar and began to sound it out before I even finished the song. And in general, having the bass guitar be the main fea...

Moon Sugar by TANG