Rob's Album Of The Week: Math The Band's Stupid & Weird

Rob Duguay

Whenever I listen to Providence electro-punk duo Math The Band, I can relate the experience to drinking a really good cup of coffee after chugging a box full of Nerds. Very energetic and fast-paced, their music is rhythmic caffeine for the soul that turns you into a human whirlwind after hearing the first note. Taking things to a whole new level with their 11th studio album Stupid & Weird, Kevin Steinhauser & Justine Mainville incorporate saxophones, chimes and epic 8-bit tunes into their sound. Obliterating the senses in a very good way along with transporting your musical taste to a brand new dimension, Math The Band’s Stupid & Weird is exactly what your ears need now and maybe forever.

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Each track off of the new album makes me think I’m a character in a platform adventure video game where I’m jumping from block to block, stomping on people’s heads, leveling up and getting points. Math The Band’s power and feverish structures will wake you up from whatever stupor you may be in, making you ready to take on the world and destroy any obstacles that may be in your path. Stupid & Weird has the frenzied duo doing what they do best, getting right in your face with pure energy and emphasis to simply amaze you. By having such amazing quality while refusing to change the essence of who they are, Math The Band’s Stupid & Weird could very well be their best album so far.

It’s February in New England, where every inner city street becomes a wind tunnel and Old Man Winter greets you every morning with 30mph gusts straight to your face. Combined with the 10 degree weather and increased risk of frostbite, it’s simply paradise. When I say paradise, I mean that only if you think going to the Johnston landfill is a fun time. Instead of dealing with the elements, you can stay inside enjoy the top tracks off of my Album Of The Week. It might not warm things up, but it’ll keep you from complaining about it. Anyways and always, here goes something:

A great surprise in “January 2008” is the sax during the second half of the track, maybe that had to do with a little What Cheer? Bridge influence but you should ask them and find out for yourselves. I love the post-punk angst in “Voice”, Justine’s seismic beating of the floor tom and the raw, abrasive guitar from Kevin really make it a beautiful song that goes straight to the gut. “Give Me A Break” has those 8-bit tones that I mentioned earlier, the synthy keys giving your inner being an extra life so you can take on that arduous boss battle. Maybe I’m getting a tad farfetched with the video game references, but don’t let that take away from the musical brilliance of Stupid & Weird. It’s a fantastic album that you should give a chance to take over your ears.

Math The Band put on one hell of a party at The Funky Jungle in Providence on January 30th but unfortunately they won’t be playing again until May 15 at The Church Of Boston. Maybe they will be doing a super-secret DIY tour instead, but who knows? Until this unbelievable act hits up your house, music venue or perhaps a pizza shop, get your hands on Math The Band’s Stupid & Weird. You will be hooked right from the start, so give them a listen and play your part.

Listen For Yourself

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