Episode 28 – Rock Out With Your Calc Out: A Math Rock Survey

As Pythagoras mused, “There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” So too is there magical energy in the shapely contours of the most mathematical rock music. In this episode of Radical Research, we trace out a heritage of calculus embodied by bands on the acute end of the rock spectrum. From the rarified, Bartok-ian rock of King Crimson to the wildly dynamic Sturm und Drang post-rock of Slint, this episode focuses on the identification of rhythmic land mines and the surreptitious emotions located therein. Keep your vintage TI handy and join us in the liberation from the tyranny of 4/4. Note I: Confessor’s “Condemned” features some of the mathiest metal ever mathed, with a puzzling drum part by Martian percussionist Steve Shelton. Let us know if this helps – mostly likely it will not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_54BL0aOt5ENote II: Makers of math rock tend to lean toward ridiculous song titles. Some are featured or mentioned in this episode -- here are a few more winners: Don Caballero “The Peter Criss Jazz”; The Fucking Champs “I Am the Album Cover”; Melvins “Eat Yourself Out”; Breadwinner “Kisses Men on the Mouth on the Mountain” Note III: Lamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy Role-playing and Radical Research offer you the Tower of the Stargazer introductory adventure for a mere $1 US! ONLY AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?discount=999b8ca14c Music cited, in order of appearance: King Crimson, “Fracture” (Starless and Bible Black, 1974) Magma, “De Futura,” two passages (Udu Wudu, 1976) Melvins, “Exact Paperbacks” (Gluey Porch Treatments, 1986) Breadwinner, “Tourette’s” (232 S. Laurel St. 7”, 1990) Confessor, “Condemned” (Condemned, 1991) Slint, “Nosferatu Man” (Spiderland, 1991) Don Caballero, “Rollerblade Success Story” (2, 1995) Happy Family, “Kaiten (Ningen Gyorai)” (Happy Family, 1995) The Champs (aka The Fucking Champs), “Flawless Victory” (III, 1997) Minus the Bear, “Women We Haven’t Met Yet” (Highly Refined Pirates, 2002) Episode 29 preview: Mekong Delta, “The Jester“ (The Principle of Doubt, 1989) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it. This is Radical Research Podcast episode 28