When you listen to something, you automatically categorize it and stuff it in a mental drawer along with other items it belongs with. It’s like hearing We Are The In Crowd and labeling it the same you would The Summer Set – pop rock for very young people (and myself). Then you have bands like Art Contest and you have to dust off the “what’s a goin’ on” file cabinet because if you’re like me, it’s unfamiliar territory. Their album Math Major may be a bit odd, but if you’re a true musician, you’ll appreciate it.
I was unaware this record contained any form of lyrical content until “Bedtime” came up because before that it was just an array of songs that were heavy on the instrumentation, often leaving anything else in the background. In the end I didn’t know what emotion that was supposed to be evoked during Math Major – was I supposed to feel regret with “Shish Kebob,” a little happy with “Riff Raff” or sly thanks to what sounded like the backdrop to an old Disney movie scheme scene, “Bassnectar?” I never settled on one, and just let the music play on. I guess, like with life, you’re not supposed to feel just one thing…
If I had to draw up what a fan of Art Contest would look like, a prototype if you will, I’d leave the page blank because it could very well be anyone. I would (unsuccessfully) draw a gaggle on instruments though because I feel that’s who likes music like this, self-professed “math rock.” It’s different, a little obscure and for anyone who likes a challenge in their art. If that’s you, check out Art Contest’s Math Major, out now.
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