Sum of math-rock lineup is “freaking awesome”

Progressive and math rock fans will be overjoyed with the show this Saturday. Like a group of… Progressive and math rock fans will be overjoyed with the show this Saturday. Like a group of wise men coming to educate and enlighten their listeners, this group of bands plans to blow the roof off of Carnegie Mellon University’s Drill Deck with this monumental extravaganza of a show.

Battles consists of Ian Williams (formerly of Don Caballero/Storm ‘ Stress fame), drummer John Stanier (Helmet), Dave Konopka (Lynx) and avant-garde musician Tyondai Braxton. Their style of music can only be described in one-word spurts. These words would be: wiry, driving, experimental, spacey, eclectic, mathematical, dancey, weird, trippy and of course, “freaking awesome.”

After Ian left Don Caballero for good, his new group decided to get to work immediately. They embarked on a musical journey that would yield one mix tape and three EP’s — Tras, EP B and EP C. Tracks like “Tras” on the Tras EP would find a new home on EP C as remixes, as “IPT2” would, on EP B, be reincarnated as “IPT-2” on EP C. Of course, EP B was released after EP C, which was released after Tras.

Battles’ songs can go from some weird sound manipulation into a dance-rock anthem. From there, it could take off into several proggy passages until it comes back to climax into more crazy sonic experimentation. Through these zany ideas and use of electronic experimentation, as well as stimulating analog sounds, Battles sets itself apart from many other math rock bands.

Also on tap for the show are Air Guitar Magazine, The Evergreen Movement and (((microwaves))).

Air Guitar Magazine also brings an interesting style of math/prog rock in the vein of ZZZZ. You’ll find no guitars, but rather a bass, drums and two horns. Their live antics include dressing up in costumes, convincing their audiences to get at least half-naked and dancing around maniacally, especially in the crowd. They got a huge response at the Hella concert only a week and a half ago.

The Evergreen Movement also brings a progressive rock sound to the show. The band’s riffs are extremely powerful. They can be described as “big rock.” The bass sticks out heavily in the mix, much like a Steve Albini production. But no instrument really overtakes any others thanks to the technical proficiencies of the band. What you end up getting is a band with disjointed melodies that are reminiscent of bands such as Shellac, Turing Machine and Rumah Sakit.

Finally, most Pittsburgh locals will probably be at the show to check out (((microwaves))). The band’s latest incarnation includes originals Dave Kuzy and John Roman as well as new addition Jason Jouver of Don Caballero, and Creta Bourzia on bass. The trio is currently planning to release a record by the fall. The band is also one of the few of the night to use vocals quite liberally.

So there you have it, a showcase featuring a former Pittsburgh band great (Williams of Don Caballero) along with some great underground local acts that should put on quite a show and keep many of you entertained while still benefiting a great cause. This is shaping up to be one killer end-of-semester show, so don’t miss it.

Check out Battles, (((microwaves))), The Evergreen Movement, and Air Guitar Magazine this Saturday at CMU Drill Deck. Doors open at 7 PM. Admission is $8 for CMU Students, $10 for Pitt students. For more information, call 412-621-WRCT