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Future Nights review by Snob's Music
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Last year I got enthused by the debut EP from Saskatoon-based Sexy Mathematics. Well the band have ...Last year I got enthused by the debut EP from Saskatoon-based Sexy Mathematics. Well the band have relocated to Toronto and are poised to drop a full length on us. The record, Future Nights, comes out on August 1st.
Don't be fooled by the spacey twinkling blips of "Who Knows (Intro)", this is not an ethereal record, as the rolling rhythms and shimmering guitar of "Who Knows" will show you.
This is an album that combines strong guitar lines with the judicious use of synthesizers and insidious hooks. Those work together best on "Simple Games", where the synth acts as kindling for the incendiary guitars.
A dark cloud hovers over the record. Things get gloomiest with the Joy Division-inspired "No Communication".
When everything culminates on the intense and compelling closer "Hottest Fashion", one can't help but wonder if this is what the last couple of Bloc Party records could have sounded like if they had exercised some restraint.
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Interview with Ominocity
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Chris Daviduik, leader of hyper-charged indie dance rock unit Sexy Mathematics, is dropping a new LP...Chris Daviduik, leader of hyper-charged indie dance rock unit Sexy Mathematics, is dropping a new LP entitled Future Nights.
While Daviduik is now located in Toronto, an earlier incarnation of Sexy Mathematics used to exist in Saskatoon where he recorded and released his first EP entitled Integration.
While he has since recruited an entirely new band, Daviduik, however, is quick to point out that the concept of Sexy Mathematics hasn’t deviated much from his original vision.
“Since moving to Toronto I really don’t think any of the main concepts or motivations behind Sexy Mathematics have changed,” says Daviduik. “We recorded Future Nights before I left Saskatoon so most of the groundwork for what we are doing now was laid out then. Changing members definitely affects the dynamic of the band however, at its core, Sexy Mathematics remains the same.”
Future Nights starts innocuously enough with some chilled out synth-wave before circuit-bending it’s way into a dichotomy of some seriously sharp guitar riffing battling it out with some keytar leads and glitch-core – sort of like spying on two robots engaged in some serious 2.0 party skronking.
And despite some turn-of-the-century rump shaking hi-hat beats, Daviduik manages to avoid any of the usual pitfalls associated with the dance punk genre – he is actually a wholly talented and able songwriter who can produce a product that’s both whip smart and catchy.
For example, on title track “Future Nights”, guitar leads that could have been ripped from an epic RPG 8-bit video game blend seamlessly with Daviduik’s falsetto – which is pretty much everything you’ve ever demanded from good dance music anyway.
“When we began recording Future Nights, my main motivation was to create an album I would be happy with when it was all done, and to that end I believe we succeeded,” says Daviduik. “Beyond my personal aspirations for the album I really hope it has an impact or influence in someone’s life that wouldn’t exist otherwise. Similar to the albums I have listened to that are important to me. That is the ultimate goal.”
“Every day I am trying to push Sexy Mathematics to another level and Future Nights is essentially a really big push I can only afford doing roughly once every year or so,” continues Daviduik. “After moving to Toronto you sort of start from scratch. However there is a lot more of accessible potential which we have begun taking advantage of and I plan on pursuing much more aggressively with the album release.”
Future Nights is up for pre-order – no word on when Daviduik plans on bringing his latest line-up back to Saskatoon for a homecoming rave up.
“We have a show coming up on August 4th,” he reports. “And we will be concentrating on playing lots around Toronto to promote the album as well as some touring nearby.”
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Integration EP review by Annie Reuter
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Sexy Mathematics are indie rock at its finest. With guitar fuzz galore and high intensity percussion...Sexy Mathematics are indie rock at its finest. With guitar fuzz galore and high intensity percussion accompaniment throughout their debut six-song EP, Integration, Sexy Mathematics are well on their way. While some tracks embody more of an electronic vibe easily pictured playing at clubs, others are straight up solid rock tracks that I can only hope to experience live in concert.
After spending years crafting indie pop melodies in his basement, Chris Daviduik decided it was time to record his best material at a studio. The resulting masterpiece that is Integration, he describes as “a blend of piercing guitars and orchestrated synthesizers with alternative rocking drum and bass lines driving the songs to completion.” I couldn’t agree more. Based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, the band consists of Chris Daviduik on guitar/vocals, Liz Syrnick on synthesizer/backup vocals, Dylan Smith on drums and Brandon Mellish on bass.
“A Novel Romance” kicks things off on Integration with plenty of guitar and percussion textures blending well with Chris Daviduik’s vocals. He sings softly at first, before a gritty guitar interlude envelops the track. At three and a half minutes long, the song is a glimpse into the rest of the EP and a solid portrayal of Sexy Mathematics’ talent.
Having spent years crafting each song to perfection, Sexy Mathematics’ debut EP demonstrates countless hours of hard work and perfection. With an EP this strong, one can only wonder what their next release will bring. “Who Knows” segues effortlessly after “A Novel Romance.” A guitar heavy track, it is the singer that is in the background on this song. “I don’t think this love is what we had in mind or resolved/Changing is young and over-rated,” Daviduik sings. The guitar riffs quickly capture the listener’s attention wholeheartedly while the musical accompaniment remains at the forefront of this track instead of the singer. Not always in the best interest for a band, but it works well on “Who Knows.”
“When Isometrics Collide” is as close to a psychedelic experience as one can have listening to music. Heavy in synthesizer, Daviduik sings, “Start seeing your life as the best thing to happen to me or anyone else alive,” among plenty of guitar fuzz. “When Isometrics Collide” leaves the listener begging for more. Just over halfway through the EP, the song presents an ethereal quality with Daviduik’s seductive singing style and accompanying music.
“The Void” and “Set Up!” close Integration strong and with incredibly high intensity. One of the more upbeat and gritty tracks on the EP, Daviduik’s singing style throughout “Set Up!” brings slight resemblance to that of The Clash. The song powers through from the guitar entrance to the fade out of the song, leaving listeners wanting more. An accurate portrayal of an up-and-coming indie rock band, Integration promises great things for Canada’s Sexy Mathematics.
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Integration EP review by Snob's Music
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Over the past year and a half we've seen a boom in the number of solid indie bands coming out of the...Over the past year and a half we've seen a boom in the number of solid indie bands coming out of the province of Saskatchewan. Groups like Rah Rah and Library Voices have become some of this blog's favorites. While coming from a completely different place soundwise, Saskatoon's Sexy Mathematics may not be too far behind.
As Rah Rah and Library Voices are firmly rooted in a delightful indie pop sound, Sexy Mathematics take a more electronic or dance tact. Synths feature prominently as the duo pens undeniably catchy hooks like "Who Knows". The result is a sound that on the surface is reminiscent of Mates of State or defunct and tragically overlooked Toronto band Made.
On the opening track "A Novel Romance" betrays many more influences. The song includes an Of Montreal-like rhtyhm, the aforementioned Mates of State synth swirl, a Yeah Yeah Yeahs buzz, and Robert Pollard-esque vocal delivery. All of these elements will crop up from time to time throughout the album. And they are all welcome when they do.
While the synthesizers are what grab you immediately, the guitar work is not to be underestimated either. "Transmissions" boast a riff, that while not quite up to the stature of Joy Division's "Transmission" is nonetheless rock solid. The guitar blends seamlessly with the keys to produce a down and dirty sleazer in "Set Up".
In the end Integration is another strong document of a music scene that is begging hard to be noticed and appreciated. Hopefully we'll get a chance to see Sexy Mathematics in Toronto as part of CMW or NXNE this year.
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Integration EP review by Scott Homewood
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Though I think the name of the band is very interesting and catchy, let me tell you right off the ba...Though I think the name of the band is very interesting and catchy, let me tell you right off the bat as a high school student who happened to excel at mathematics that mathematics is NOT sexy. What IS sexy about this band is the concept behind what they are trying to do. Instead of the same roots rock hoodoo most two person groups attempt, Sexy Mathematics aims straight for your feet – your heart, too, but mostly the feet. In fact, since the band is called Sexy Mathematics, let me throw two numbers at you: a nice sexy 8 and a curvy 0. Why those two sexy digits? Because those two hot numbers represent the two most important aspects of Sexy Mathematics’ sound. You see, their sound is just about locked into the synthpop sounds of the ’80’s. Yet, they don’t manage to slavishly copy groups of that time. They merely let it influence their sound. Sure, you know where they cut their musical teeth, but the duo ably adds nuances and manages to flesh out their sound so that you can be sure this is no slavish copy, but something totally new that sounds refreshingly familiar at the same time.
The first song A Novel Romance is interesting computer-pop which starts out almost as techno but then becomes some rock and roll/computer-music hybrid that’s at once arresting and enchanting. Though not really my cup of tea overall, I found it impossible to stop listening, mostly because I didn’t know what was going to come next. Very compelling song, and while the chorus seems hooky, overall kind of clunky for radio but a very innovative effort, nonetheless. The next song Who Knows could be by the Cars if the Cars had been influenced by 80’s synthpop instead of influencing it. Very poppy and more hooky than the first song, with a decent amount of guitar riffing that could be beefed up and improved by some better production values, which seem locked into the early ’80’s. Third song Transmissions starts off thin but gets beefed up by the first chorus with some compressed guitars and some funky synth breaks. Marc Bolan crossed with Depeche Mode. When Isometrics Collide a romantic synth ballad witgh some ballsy guitar that would fit into the movie Sixteen Candles if it were just being made today, unfortunately it’s not and the sound is a little retro for what’s going today pop-music wise. Song goes on seemingly forever too or does it just feel that way? Up next is The Void and it is a pure dance-floor rave-up with guitars blazing and tempo racing. Great snarling pop and would’ve made the radio for sure back in good old ‘82. The last song on this EP is called Set Up! and sounds almost like early metal but becomes Cramps-like soon enough, though not with that band’s frenetic pace. More metallic here but with enough dance elements to make it exciting. Very interesting song I can see making a big splash on radio.
While neither dance music, math-rock, nor techno make a big splash on my list of music genre preferences, I have to say I like what I am hearing on this CD. Though not much here could be called totally original, the way Sexy Mathematics manages to combine several genres and craft the result into a fresh sound is quite interesting and often innovative, if not totally unique. The only problem I see is the band having what could be perceived as a retro gimmick. While a lot of ’80’s music has become “retro-chic” among young people today with many bands appropriating those sounds, I fear that by following a similar path Sexy Mathematics may find themselves becoming more of an act with a shtick ala Southern Culture On The Skids or Brian Setzer who are seemingly more appreciated for their look and attention to period detail than they are with their actual musical talent or the statement they make through their songs. I guess time will tell the story but as I wait, I will listen to Sexy Mathematics new CD and hope they soon make another.
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Integration EP review by i(heart)music
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A few nights ago, while watching Rah Rah put on a mind-blowingly great show, someone came over to me...A few nights ago, while watching Rah Rah put on a mind-blowingly great show, someone came over to me to rave about how they couldn't believe how good the band was. Their reason? Because Rah Rah are from Saskatchewan.
I can certainly understand that point of view; after all, I held it once, too. The thing is -- as I've said more times than I can count -- it's also a belief that disappears once you get beyond your initial scepticism that the province is actually a hotbed for outstanding music, and has been for a few years now.
The problem may be that none of the bands that have thus far emerged from the province have sounds that are geared for more mainstream success. Rah Rah, Library Voices, The Polymaths, Ultimate Power Duo -- all are great bands, but none play music that could easily fit in on the playlists of any mainstream channels, save for perhaps CBC Radio 3.
I think Sexy Mathematics could be the band that changes this. After all, their debut EP, Integration, shows the band to be much closer in sound to The Killers than to any of their province-mates. The electro-synth-rock of tracks like "Who Knows" would fit in comfortably on pretty much any mainstream radio station in the country (to say nothing of MuchMusic), and it's not hard to imagine the band gaining the kind of popular traction that has thus far eluded the current crop of Saskatchewanians.
Are Sexy Mathematics as good as Rah Rah or Library Voices? To be blunt, not really. But that's an extremely high bar to have to measure up against. If you just compare Integration to the other music in its field, it stands up well, and it should be enough to get Sexy Mathematics -- and, by extension, their province -- the sort of attention they deserve.
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NXNE 2012 review
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The best way to make mathematics sexy? Well, make it your band name, Sexy Mathematics, play NXNE at...The best way to make mathematics sexy? Well, make it your band name, Sexy Mathematics, play NXNE at The Detour in Toronto and rock some socks off!
Sexy Mathematics ripped through a vicious set of grunge meets new wave meets synth meets Lights look-a-like band member. Kind of a stellar music combination if you ask me.
Check out some of their tunes here http://sexymathematics.com/wordpress/
But their set overall expanded the mind. The melodies were unforgettable, along with the back up vocals and grunge-distorted bass lines.
With each song, more and more people packed the narrow Kensington bar.
