I fucking love being introduced to new and different types of music. I mean, it’s a gamble… sometimes I find I love that shit, sometimes I find it isn’t for me. Regardless, it’s totally a gamble I am always up for. Recently, I was introduced to the three member experimental rock band self-evident (Tom Burg-Bass, Conrad Mach-guitar/vocals and Ben Johnston-drums), out of Minnesota. I caught a video made by Northern Outpost (http://vimeo.com/northernoutpost) for their single The Past, the last track on their latest album, endings:

self-evident – “The Past” from Northern Outpost on Vimeo.

“That’s not half bad, and this video makes me laugh, look at their beards. I totally need to review this album.” I thought to myself after watching. “It’s different, but in a good way. I hear the influence of a band I’ve heard before, but I cannot remember which one. I totally suck at this.”  I then decided to check out the rest of the album. “Perhaps if I hear more, I will be able to remember the name of the other fucking band I am thinking of so I don’t sound like an idiot.” I then listened to the rest of the album.

I was super confused. I had not previously been introduced to this kind of music. I decided right then and there that before I started writing something stupid, I better do some research, because that is what writers do.  That is when I learned about Math Rock. It’s on Wikipedia. It’s a thing. I learned that this type of music is very guitar and drum heavy, has roots in progressive and punk rock, and is called Math Rock because of critic reactions to it’s asymmetrical time signatures and changing meters. Some real fucking rhythmic complexity and shit. “OMG! That is TOTALLY what this is!” I thought to myself.  “Ben Johnston is totally drummering this out hardcore complex.” And it totally is. And he totally was. So with my head full of new knowledge and a new POV I put the album on again.

Ok, so maybe Math Rock isn’t totally my thing. What the fuck do I know anyway? Personally I felt they left the best for last on this album, because even though I may not be totally into this genre, I liked what The Past had to say, and it was a little more familiar to my ignorant eardrums. What I do know for certain is that if you are a fan of this type of music, you would be a shithead to not check these guys out, because they are full on.  You can check them out (upcoming shows, albums, and info) at http://doubleplusgoodrecords.com or http://www.myspace.com/selfevident. Do it.