Math and Physics Club

Math and Physics Club remained mostly a basement project for James (guitar) and Charles (vocals) until the summer of 2004 when they met up with Kevin (drum wizard), who had just moved to Seattle from Boston. By the end of the summer, Saundrah (violin) and Ethan (bass) had also joined the band, and there was an undeniable chemistry at work.

They decided to bypass playing shows in favor of spending time recording a demo in their basement, which they mailed out to a few of their favorite pop labels. At the top of their list was a small label in Santa Barbara called Matinee´ Recordings that released great pop records by bands like The Lucksmiths and Pipas, each with artfully-designed sleeves that made you wish vinyl had never gone out of style. A few weeks later, to their amazement, they received a note from Jimmy Tassos at Matinee´ saying he wanted to release their demo as an EP.

About the same time, John Richards, a DJ at influential Seattle radio station KEXP, also received a copy of the demo and started spinning it on his morning show. By the time the band played its second show in late December (their first with Ethan on bass), they were already receiving considerable attention.

The four-song EP “Weekends Away” was released in February 2005 and easily surpassed the few expectations the band had, getting heavy radio play on hip stations like KEXP and WOXY, and picking up glowing reviews from the indiepop press.

“… these four short, simple tunes quietly announce the arrival of a great new band.” - Splendid (USA)

“…the band's first EP is a four-track gem that manages to escape any charges of imitation by delivering very strong songs loaded with tender emotion and easygoing charm.” - Allmusic.com (USA)

“A classic all said and done.” - Losing Today (UK)

By late spring the band finally had a handful of shows under its belt, including a few West Coast stops with new labelmates The Lucksmiths, and an appearance at the annual Sasquatch Music Festival (headlined by the Pixies!). Looking at the busy summer ahead, they realized their schedules would not allow recording a full-length record any time soon, so they decided to release another EP.

The band again recorded everything in James’ basement, and “Movie Ending Romance” was officially released in July 2005 to more excellent reviews and growing live audiences.

“The Seattle-based pop group Math and Physics Club may have only released two EPs so far in their career, but already
they sound determined to write and record songs that people will remember, songs that listeners will hold dear to their hearts.” - Erasing Clouds (USA)

“…it is, without doubt the perfect summer record.” - Friends of the Heroes (UK)

“…at a mere twelve minutes, at the end of this disc I was begging for more. Begging!” - Left Hip (Canada)

In September, following a packed show at Seattle’s Bumbershoot music festival, the band started work on material for its first full-length record. The LP will be released in September 2006.