Press

"Maths might have a pseudo-twee name but they'll rip your face off and make you beg for it back. They're not afraid  of teasing your brain by dropping sugar sweet melodies next to a barrage or 10-fingered riffs now and then, but they always return to tightly focused coils of caustic noise. Employing the old Raein/La Quiete trick of making the vocals so indistinct and shrill they feel like another instruement, Maths are a breath of fresh air precisely because they're so lo-fi. Class dismised."
-NME


"The UK isn't famous for it's screamo output. The majority of the big names in the field have historically hailed from either America or mainland Europe, but Maths might just be the most exciting band of their kind that this country has ever seen. Alright, strong words, but just go to their site and listen. These are well-crafted, calculated blasts of edgy uncertainty that will rattle your skull. It's true that the genre itself is nothing new, but more than anything maybe it's just reassuring to know that there are bands on these fair shores who can get out there and do the business. Following on from bands like Pyramids and Daitro before them, Maths do more than just bawl their guts out, too. Each song is part intensity, part instrumental soundscape, at it's most prevalent and impressive on newer material like '2346'. Maybe I should lay off the superlatives; maybe it's just my relief talking. But I don't think it is."
-www.noizemakesenemies.co.uk


"Looking so fresh faced it's frankly depressing to us greying twentysomethings, 'Maths' colossal slabs of progressive hardcore illustrate a band wise beyond their years. Somehow sounding even more incendiary live than on record, led by Matt Wood's sprawling guitar lines songs twist and contort in countless directions, one minute a ferocious wall of noise, the next a sedate ambient murmur. Despite being let down somewhat by a poor vocal mix, the equation remains obvious enough; Maths = destined for great things."
-www.rockmidgets.com


"Stating straight from the off that they haven't practiced in weeks, let along played, and that their drummer is ill, it seems Maths are preparing us all for the worst, but there's simply no need. Playing a raft of new material off their long-awaited debut full-length Descent - their new offerings place greater emphasis on their more progressive lo-fi leanings, with long-winding passages leading up to the spine-crushing explosions of old, and leaves us not only gagging to get our hands on the record, but also wondering how good Maths would be if they actually found the time to rehearse."
-www.rockmidgets.com


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Reviews for "Descent"

"KKKK
Heady debut of unrelenting screamo ferocity from Norfolk

You have probably heard all this before: indiscernible larynx abuse, jigsaw-like riff patterns and a clattering rhythm section - all competing for attention like a litter of unloved puppies. in the wrong hands these well-worn dynamics can be repetitive, overly introspective and, worst of all, boring. on this 12 track, bedroom produced debut, however, Norfolk quartet Maths have combined them to beguiling, immersive effect. consisting of mainly short, abrasive hymns of hate that work in isolation or as one sprawling headfuck, this is an album as challenging, uncompromising and emotionally exhausting as it is brilliant. remember the first time you heard Dillinger? like that. lord knows what its all about but if its honest, passionate and pissed off sound you want, look no further. ... Read more

for fans of Envy & Dillinger Escape Plan."
-Kerrang Magazine


"Maths are a band I have adored for years now, I have followed them as they slowly progressed into the band they are now. Last year they released a much acclaimed split EP with Throats which brought them to the public's attention, they even gained a feature in NME putting them firmly in the “bands to watch out for” section for anyone who likes decent music. However after the release of the EP, a tour and a bunch of spread out dates over the country the band seemed to disappear into the woodwork, apparently determined to finish university/ other boring life stuff. After a few months of inactivity the band announced they were writing for their first full-length, something which had me jumping over the moon. The band opted to go the full DIY route and record it all themselves which only attracts me more to the record.

The album itself is a grower. I've only had it in my hands for a few days now but it hasn't stopped playing in my ears since then. Every time I listen to it I understand and enjoy it more. From the harrowing volume swells of the opening few bars of the first track “Belief In Sorrow” to the sobering piano melodies that introduce the closing track “Belief In Hope” I believe Maths' latest offering “Descent” is simply the best thing to happen to screamo in a long time. The record doesn't stop between songs and is better heard as a whole rather than the 12 separate tracks, that way you can hear how the album progresses and how the songs intertwine. Compared to the EP, musically ,you can hear some definite progression, conceptually-the EP is no comparison. The heavy parts are heavier, the melodic parts are more melodic and you will undoubtedly have certain phrases of songs stuck in your head for ages. The guitar work is a lot more proficient, it's still the frenetic chords sliding all over the fretboard and the drumming is even more chaotic yet still regimented. The thing that makes this album for me and what makes it a step up from the split EP is that it's so much more than just techy-screamo, it's unbelievably epic as well. Tracks like “To Be Frozen” and “Branches” have a certain quality to them that makes the hairs on your arm stand up and make you truly fall for the band.

“Descent” certainly does live up to expectations and I genuinely hope it takes them far especially as it has an appeal to far more than just a screamo audience. This one hasn't even hit the shops yet but I'm excited for any future releases. It comes out on Holy Roar Records on the 9th of November, until then you can hear a couple of tracks from the album on their Myspace and make sure you check out their dates as well!"
-thisiseds.blogspot.com


"Maths aren't your average band. With no apparent intention to tour full-time, the Norfolk-based outfit only sporadically play live shows and have shunned the usual route taken by so many of their contemporaries of working with a well-known producer on their long-awaited debut full-length Descent; instead deciding to entirely record, mix and produce the album themselves in their home studios. A risky play you might say, especially given that the four-piece have already been on the receiving end of gushing praise from everyone from the likes of NME to this very site over the past 12 months. But you know what? Descent sounds fucking fantastic. An album in every sense of the word, spanning 12 tracks and clocking in at just over half-an-hour, Descent isn't so much a collection of songs that can be easily deconstructed, but one entire piece that you have to fully engulf yourself in and listen to in its entirety time and time again, flowing from ambient soundscapes to crushing riffs and venomous screams in an instant. In other words, if you're after soaring choruses and sunny melodies you can fuck off and go listen to Madina Lake instead. Much more progressive and epic than last summer's split with label mates Throats, Descent is quite unlike any other album that you're likely to hear all year, there's no simple formulas, and nothing is ever predictable as it drifts from colossal opener 'Belief In Sorrow' all the way to euphorically optimistic piano-led closer 'Belief in Hope'. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Reviews for the Maths + Throats Split CD

"A solid split CD here from two fairly new UK bands. Unfortunately this is not released for another few weeks so the 'insanely eye-catching artwork' mentioned in the accompanying information sheet is sadly missing - I get a white CD-R in a clear plastic slipcase with the band names scribbled on it in blue biro. The picture I found online looks nice though.

Anyhoo, Norwich-based dudes Maths get things started with 5 songs (4 and a sub-minute instrumental track actually) of pretty rocking frantic emo. I remember seeing these guys in Leeds maybe a year ago or something and thinking they were pretty rad, and the songs here are good although not quite up to the level of that live performance: the kick drum seems a bit high in the mix and that thud thud is a little distracting. Not too much though, as the quality of the songs overpowers that and it does give their sound a 'chunky' hardcore feel. They have a kind of Envy / late-period Funeral Diner thing going on best exemplified by the song 'Statue Of Her' which has a a great twinkly bit in the middle before blasting back into the chaos. Definitely recommended though, lots of ace riffs and time changes and bits that surprise the listener.

Throats are a different kettle of fish. Not in the quality stakes, as their 5 songs are pretty great, but musically they kind of remind of me Phoenix Bodies or even Graf Orlock, and when they go fast like the first half of 'Reign Of Low' they are very impressive. However most of their songs seem to follow the same formula of fast riffs and drums for the first half of the song then a couple of slow, almost sludge-esque bits to finish which loses them a couple of points. Overall though their 'side' of the CD is definitely worth checking out also!"
-www.collective-zine.co.uk


"It's always good to hear British bands playing with passion and dedication. No more obvious is that heard than this split release between Norwich's Maths and London based Throats. Both exhibiting a genuine passion for what they do.

Maths has that whole screamo sound down. Not shoddy, modern day pop punk with screaming, but good ole fashioned screamo in the vein of Orchid and City Of Caterpillar. Abrasive but melodic, driven by some very nicely constructed and played songs, their sound reminds me of loads of bands I used to love, which is no bad thing. Their 5 tracks fly past pretty quickly, but they do stick with you, you will be remembering parts long after it's stopped spinning.

Throats are a more extreme proposition; dirty sounding metal-laced punk is the order of the day. Sort of like Converge, Reversal Of Man and Catharsis having a big punch up. A dirty production helps a lot here, grinding guitars and rumbling bass backs the screamed vocals, which is most evident on the closer "Deathnaps".

There you go, doing something different in every respect really. 2 very interesting UK bands that you should give the time of day to. 8 out of 10"
-www.dieshellsuit.co.uk


"Sonic warfare of the most brutal kind

Screamo-core is todays' equivalent of marmite – you either love it or you hate it. I'm in the former camp, and personally can't wait for the inevitable day when somehow the fates conspire to produce the first ever screamo hit single (my betting is it'll be produced by Timbaland and performed by Juston Timberlakes' angry little brother)

Until that day, we have a rather nifty split album from those nice folks at Holy Roar Records showcasing two bands who will probably not come to trouble the pop charts and are all the better for it. Maths are the first of the two and present a furious, complex and dynamic take on the genre, with properly-structured songs that lend their furious outpourings coherent shapes. Converge and Dillinger Escape Plan CDs may, I suspect, nestle among their record collections, but they do have an approach which remains their own while many other, lesser bands have simply ripped off their sound from those two.

Throats, on the other hand, are considerably more direct. Faster – except when they break into their frequent Sabbath-esque ultra-heavy breakdowns - and less structured than Maths, Throats bring to mind the unrestrained, dangerous lunacy of The Locust and Some Girls. With five excellent tracks from each band, I make that ten reasons for the screamo-fiends among you to track this compilation down without further ado."
- www.subba-cultcha.com


"Holy Roar, bastions of innovative new rock / metal have split this ten track album equally between Maths and Throats. It begins with Maths who have some great progressive instrumental hooks and (obviously) mathematically enhanced heavy rock. The real shame is that Maths just shout over the top of it all – and I don't mean the traditionally throaty roar, I mean it sounds like someone just yelling. Not good.
M ½


Saving the day though, are Throats with their very heavy brand of Kyuss / Melvyns stoner rock. Again they just shout over it all, but at least they make it sound a little like they've been brought up on Napalm Death records. It's the slower burning and more powerful guitar work that gives Throats the edge.
MMM ½"
- www.music-dash.co.uk


"Two great bands. One arse-shattering split release.
Can't wait for the new Gallows record? Then you might want to check out Maths and Throats, two bands intent on delivering a good ol' fashioned punk shit storm. With five tracks each, they seize their opportunity to crack heads with knotted riffs and vocals that sound like the singer has his balls stapled to a flaming cactus. To add a bit of variety, on Heavy Heart and Headclouds respectively, both bands indulge in some instrumental foreplay before unleashing a distorted punk vortex that will probably require fans to take out medical insurance when they are played live. It's not just impressive, it's terrifying.
Download: Statue of Her
For fans of: Gallows, Will Haven
KKKK"
- Kerrang Magazine


It's official; Holy Roar can do no wrong right now. After helping push the likes of Gallows and Rolo Tomassi to national prominence and recently snapping up Glasgow hotshots Dananananaykroyd, they've once again come up with the goods in the shape of this split release between Throats and Maths. But anyone casually wandering in looking for the pop hooks of Frank Carter's mob will be best served looking elsewhere, because both these bands are much different beasts altogether. Stepping up to the plate first are Norwich-based youngsters Maths who's five offerings are positively dripping in raw potential. The cerebral twists and turns of 'Statue of Her' and 'Vacant' best illustrate why even dinosaurs like NME have recently jumped on their bandwagon, with the complex time changes and structures not diminishing their brute force one iota. The sludgy riffs of 'Headclouds' herald the turn of Throats before the Converge-esque vitriol of 'Locked Blue' step things up a notch further. But it's six-minute plus closing number 'Deathnaps' that truly showcases Throats' staggering talent best, with its avalanche of razor-sharp riffs, wailing guitars lines and blood curdling guttural roars bringing matters to a close in thrilling fashion. .. --> End review --> Rating: 5/5
-www.rockmidgets.com


"A solid split between these two UK bands. They draw your (and my) attention with an eye-catching artwork.
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Reviews for "MMVII"

If I was told probably no more then two, two and a half months ago that Id be listening to Screamo and I'd have probably told you to fuck right off because "I hate that shit", isn't it funny how things change, haha. I think I actually started listening to it because I got into Guyver-One after downloading their s/t 7" off another blog and loving it. I remember saying bad things about Maths and decided that now I loved Screamo I should at least give them another chance, I did, and I loved it. I tried to get their Demo's and CD but they'd all sold out, but then Zen informed me that they have this little beauty set for release and so I waited patiently and it arrived! I ordered it and it turned up at my house and was immediatly put into my CD player where I listened to it continuously throughout the course of the day.

Its good stuff, It is proper 90's style Screamo like Jeromes Dream (who are in fact covered) or City of Caterpillar only the songs are quiet as epically long (in terms of CoC) and are techi to the max. But I think you get the idea, that its that frantic guitaristry, with the little slow melodic bits and the manic vocals. This is no exception, the vocals are fantastic and heartfelt, the guitarmanship is exception really adding to the emotion behind each song even helping to halfway convey which emotion is being expressed, the drumming also melds beautifully into the tracks helping to set the pace.

This is mine blowing stuff, the CD compiles the new song, the 2007 tour demo, the 6 track EP, some alternative mixes and a complete live show. So theres alot to get with your money, I lyrics sheet would be nice, but I suppose that came with the last releases (which I dont have and which are now unavailable) however the lyrics for "ii" & "iv" can be found on their Myspace. But this is still good stuff on pure aural pleasure alone.

All the tracks are pretty noteworthy, and the added remixes are certainly a very nice touch. Im really feeling "How Shall We Comfort Ourselves" at the moment, but this is a bright star among a galaxy.  The new track, "2346" is an epic 6 minutes in length and despite the recording being a little quiet (unless Zen is going for Jeff style vocals) although this does pick up, is still a good number with some nice little guitar moments and some somber bass lines which really help to give the track shape and I particularly like the mass scream out that occurs towards the end. The Jeromes Dream cover is particularly awesome too with the band even seeming to employ the same vocal technique the Jeff does (a la no mic).

Certainly a CD to own if you've just got into Maths or if you missed the Demo and Ep's when they came out, or even if you just want it for the Bonus material. I enjoy it and there's no reason why you shouldn't. So basically, if you're into stuff like Pg.99, Jeromes Dream or City of Caterpillar then you'll get into this.
-saladdayspunkrock.blogspot.com

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