Maths: 'Ascent'

Maths latest EP Ascent is the follow up to their 2009 full length Descent which was a fantastic album I must say. Maths has always been top of the list when it comes to Screamo bands from the UK and you will see why after listening to this. Containing a very raw sound and loose song structure sounding like a clutter of instruments and vocals, resulting in perfect chaos. The disorganisation of guitar melodies and smashing drum parts are really compelling and quickly change from extremely fast tunes with blast beats to relaxing guitar harmonies. Although it sounds all over the place, you can also realise how carefully Ascent has been constructed to conclude in an emotional and effective gem of a record.

Formed in 2006, Maths have progressed so much over the past 5 years and have released some fantastic records and have a split with Throats, which I enjoyed. Ascent is sadly only 4 tracks, but what is delivered in these 4 tracks is made up in quality. In terms of sound, this EP has many traits that are also evident in Descent, however I did find that the full length sounded crazier and they have ever so slightly toned down their fast sound. I was looking forward to another ear blistering release but this one is ever-so-slightly more gentle on the ears. It is a nice change to hear more relaxing tones coming from their latest tracks, especially The Wind Swept Away which left me thinking how articulate and precise these songs are.

I feel this record deserves to be up at the top of this genre just as their previous material was. There are some quick frenzies of furious guitar riffs especially in Consecrated Earth and Unending Bloom and frantic drum beats through each song that are just fantastic. The raw, screaming vocals fit perfectly with the heavier instrumental parts, and even with the more melodic parts showing a great contrast between the two sounds. After listening to the EP many times I still think that the best track from this The Wind Swept Away, which seems to be a lot of people’s favourite. This tracks clocks in at 5:48 which is a little longer than the majority of their songs. They have incorporated so many sounds into this one track and it constantly rises with the faster paced parts and falls again with the emotional, melodic parts – unbeatable. There are so many frantic screaming vocals and lively instrumentals which I found really impressive.

This is a definite must have to your collection and the contrast between styles is just ‘music to my ears’, and the vocal parts still remain as bloodthirsty and ferocious as ever. I didn’t think it could be possible but the instrumental parts have greatly been improved and I think are the best from Maths so far. All in all, a very artistic and accomplished record which you should definitely check out.  

Minority Unit: 'C.M.F.'

Minority Unit are a band from Los Angeles, made up of members from Rotting Out, Sleepwalkers and Soul Search. There are eleven members in total (I think anyway, I have completely lost count). C.M.F. (Clear Minded Fury) is the brand new 6 track EP which is the follow up from their 2010 Demo. Just like their previous release, Minority Unit play rapid, aggressive straight edge hardcore which could not sound any better! By having so many vocalists, the delivery of the lyrics is amazing and sounds like a total explosion of emotion and energy. After listening to this EP a few times I guarantee you’ll be shouting along too!

C.M.F. is an essential modern hardcore EP to own and will have a dominating effect on you after listening to it. The songs still remain short, but this works to their advantage as I feel their bold statements come across more effectively. From the first track So be it to the last track Shattered Youth the fast paced guitar riffs do not stop, along with the catchy drum parts – this is a definite memorable record. On the track Unsure you can hear just about all of the vocalists getting involved and there is a short vocal part towards the end of the song sounding very ‘old punk’ style, which I thought fitted in well. This is closely followed by the track The Few which clocks in at an amazing 39 seconds and contains just as much aggression as any other track does.

My favourite track has to be MYB (Mind Your Business) which packs a huge punch of aggression, emotion and passion. Fast paced guitar riffs and rapid drum beats kick this track off which eventually results in a small break with loud and bold vocals. An overall entertaining and enjoyable record, just like their older Demo. Minority Unit deliver exactly what you expect from them and produce a flawless EP.

If you like fast, catchy hardcore then this is exactly the band you should be listening to. This is just what I was expecting this band to produce and it’s just as awesome as I thought it was going to be! I can’t wait for Minority Unit to come over to Europe so that I can see them as their sets look so fun and energetic. If you loved their demo then make sure you get this record here.

Etnies: 'We're Waiting On You, Dude'

Check out Etnies tour that took place during the summer period which follows Albert Nyberg, Jose Rojo, Nick Garcia, Sean Malto, Julian Furones and Devine Calloway. Travelling through Scandinavian Europe the Etnies crew deliver some awesome tricks and all I can say that Albert Nyberg was my favourite, especially his mad tricks down stair sets. Hope you enjoy!