65daysofstatic - The Fall of Math
The approval of Robert Smith could mean everything to a fledgling English rock band, especially if they are the eye-liner wearing variety. But when instrumental post-rock band 65daysofstatic decided to join them for their 2007 tour, it was a bit different. Already heavily established in the English rock scene, 65daysofstatic brought something different to what would normally be a mediocre revival of The Cure. With their soaring instrumentals mixed with their poppy rock riffs, 65daysofstatic must of blown Smith out of the water.
Their US release of their 2004 UK album The Fall of Math is an excellent introduction to the band’s style. By every means, 65daysofstatic is a rock band. They have a guitar, bass, and drum part to every song. What sets them apart is their use of these instruments in congruence with digital compositions and vocal samples. If it were only members Paul Wolinski, Rob Jones, Gareth Hughes, and Feedle playing rock and roll, they would sound like a typical rock band that you might find headlining at your local VFW on a Friday night. It’s the addition of electronica and techno elements to their sound that strengthens it to a composition worth merit. Tracks like ‘Retreat! Retreat!’ sound like they belong in a film, accompanied by fog and rain pounding on the lead actor. The vocal samplings on ‘Retreat! Retreat!’ are distorted and broken down, much like other samplings on the album. It’s as if the true sound of a person’s voice cannot exist in the world of 65daysofstatic, only pure music.
The only drawback to Fall of Math is that it is their first album. Since then, the band has changed their line-up and their style and has only gotten better. Fall of Math is a great way to watch the evolution of 65daysofstatic, but isn’t the best representation of their present work. They’ve gotten more into the electronica/techno side of things with their latest EP release and have lost some of heavy rock influences present on Fall of Math. However, this album is definitely worth a listen, at the very least to see how 65daysofstatic got to where they are today.
Amy Dittmeier
