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Math rock is rock music that keeps its own time: shifting meters, interlocking finger-tapped guitar lines and drummers who treat 7/8 as a starting point. Rooted in the post-hardcore of Slint and Don Caballero and carried forward by Battles, toe, Tricot and Elephant Gym, it rewards close listening without losing its sense of fun. Explore Math Rock on vinyl, CD, and cassette at Paladin Vinyl.

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Battles toe Don Caballero Slint Tricot American Football

187 products

Math rock took shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when bands in Louisville, Chicago, Pittsburgh and San Diego began pulling post-hardcore apart and rebuilding it with odd time signatures and stop-start dynamics. Slint, Don Caballero, June of 44 and Polvo laid the groundwork, while Cap’n Jazz and American Football brought the same intricacy to emo.

The sound runs from tightly wound instrumentals to bright, melodic songs. Guitarists tap and loop their parts, drummers steer the shifting meters, and the style has a lively second home in Japan and Taiwan through toe, Tricot, Lite, Mouse On The Keys and Elephant Gym.

New to the style? Start with Slint and Don Caballero, then follow the thread to Battles, Hella, Tera Melos and Maps & Atlases. New pressings and reissues arrive regularly, so check back often.