Artist: Fat History Month
Title: A Gorilla EP
Released: 2011
Label: Sweaters and Pearls Records
Format: yellow 7”
Genre: Post punk, math rock
The second 7” to come off of the Sweaters and Pearls Records label is this little gem, pressed on transparent yellow vinyl. I will admit, the term “math rock” had confused me. A lot of my music friends describe it as music created through math, and it gave me the impression that it would be kind of cold, programmed and too logically progressed, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. This is my first real introduction to math rock, I have to say it’s not at all like it was described. It’s different and it’s a little hard to describe; you kind of have to hear it for yourself to get what I’m saying. That’s a good thing, though. Trust me, this music is GOOD.
Fat History Month is a relatively new band and this is their first single on vinyl. Their first LP, “Fucking Despair,” is also available. I would suggest you get a copy of both. This 7 inch beauty features four tracks. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Side A: We open with “A Gorilla.” The lyrics are playful and are easily stuck in your head. The instrumentation is awesome. Here, we have a mix of post punk and math rock, which is just gorgeous. The distortion is superb, giving a thick bitter-sweet atmosphere to it. The second track, “B,” highlights this more with its distortion, sweet vocals and soothing guitar works.
Side B: “Heart Takes a Beating,” is one of my favorites on this. The instrumentation, while possibly unintentional, kind of gives the lub-dub feeling of a heart beating. Genius. Our final track, an untitled instrumental piece and is the perfect way to round this EP out. It’s well orchestrated and really brings forward the mood and atmosphere of the EP.
Should you buy this? Yes! Fans of post punk, psyche and math rock will enjoy this. This isn’t something you’ll want to pass up. If you’re curious about math rock, this is a good place to start. It certainly was for me. So, yes, grab this up while you can!
5 out of 5.
Also, be sure to take a gander at Jason of Sweaters and Pearls Records’ blog: 7 Inches . New reviews for 7” records are posted daily! Go there! Now!
