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.
Best tracks: "Set Up", "A Novel Romance"
Track listing for Integration:
- A Novel Romance
- Who Knows
- Transmissions
- When Isometrics Collide
- The Void
- Set Up
Sexy Mathematics' website
Sexy Mathematics' Myspace
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