Math and Physics Club
Encyclopedia
Math and Physics Club are an indie pop
band based in Seattle, Washington. The members are Charles Bert (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ethan Jones (bass, keyboards) and James Werle (lead guitar). This lineup coalesced in 2004, and has released three EPs and two full length albums on Santa Barbara-based Matinee Recordings. They are often associated with Australian labelmates The Lucksmiths
and twee pop band Tullycraft
, and Pitchfork Media
described their work as "music to hold hands to."
DJ John Richards. As they played their third show in December, they were already receiving considerable attention, including frequent spins on KEXP
.
The four-song EP Weekends Away
was released in February 2005 and received heavy radio play on stations such as KEXP
and WOXY, picking up several reviews from the indiepop press. By late spring the band finally had a handful of shows under its belt, including a few West Coast stops with new labelmates The Lucksmiths
, and an appearance at the annual Sasquatch! Music Festival
(headlined by the Pixies). The Movie Ending Romance
EP was released in July 2005 to further reviews and growing live audiences. The audience at the San Francisco Pop Festival saw them perform 'A is for Alphabet' with Razorcuts
leader Gregory Webster
on vocals.
In September 2005, the band enjoyed playing to a packed crowd at Seattle’s Bumbershoot
music festival. Shortly afterward, the band began recording their debut LP Math and Physics Club
which was released a year later in October 2006, meriting a favorable review from Pitchfork Media
and named "Best Indie Pop Album of 2006" by PopMatters
. The band's newest release Baby I'm Yours
was unveiled on October 1, 2007 with a short tour through southern California. According to the band's official web site, they are currently recording a new album in Seattle for release in 2010.
Both Charles and James were raised in Olympia, Washington
, home of K Records
and Kill Rock Stars
, and they soaked up a thriving indie music scene. Before convening Math and Physics Club they were in a band called Drive Car Girl (named after a Beat Happening
song). They played about a dozen shows at local clubs and coffee houses with a set of 12-15 original songs, along with covers of songs by REM, Nancy Sinatra
and Kraftwerk
. Former members of Drive Car Girl include Brent Cole Whats Up Magazine and Sean Berry Double Crown Records. Elsewhere, Ethan shared guitar chords with high school friend Carrie Brownstein
and later, as a student at The Evergreen State College
featured in Jenny Jenkins' musical "Love Is Stupid" opposite Mirah
. Ethan also began the Internet's first Beach Boys related mailing list, called "surfsup", in January 1994.
and Sarah Records
although no formal connection exists. They are also influenced by The Softies
, The Smiths
, The Stone Roses
, The Posies
, Belle and Sebastian, Beat Happening
, and The Lucksmiths
.
Indie pop
Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the mid 1980s, with its roots in the Scottish post-punk bands on the Postcard Records label in the early '80s, such as Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera, and the dominant UK independent band of the mid...
band based in Seattle, Washington. The members are Charles Bert (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ethan Jones (bass, keyboards) and James Werle (lead guitar). This lineup coalesced in 2004, and has released three EPs and two full length albums on Santa Barbara-based Matinee Recordings. They are often associated with Australian labelmates The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths were an indie pop band from Melbourne, Australia known for witty, intelligent lyrics, a strong melodic sense and a jangly pop sound harkening back to early-80's bands such as The Smiths and The Go-Betweens.-History:...
and twee pop band Tullycraft
Tullycraft
Tullycraft is an indie pop band from Seattle, Washington who formed in 1995. They have been associated with the genre of twee, in fact, they are considered to be one of the forefathers of the American twee pop movement alongside Black Tambourine, Tiger Trap, Lois, Honeybunch, and Beat Happening...
, and Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
described their work as "music to hold hands to."
Biography
Math and Physics Club began as a basement project for longtime friends Charles Bert (vocals) and James Werle (guitar). Their first release was a digital-only single on Comfort Stand Recordings which featured an early version of the song Graduation Day, along with a b-side titled Everybody Lies. Both songs featured keyboards by early collaborator Andrew Hall, according to the Comfort Stand web site, and who is also credited with playing keyboards on two songs on their first EP, and is credited as a co-writer with the band on the song Nothing Really Happened on their third EP. By mid-2004, the band's lineup featured Kevin Emerson on drums, Saundrah Humphrey on violin, and Ethan Jones on bass. The band's initial demo attracted the attention of both Jimmy Tassos of Matinee Recordings and the influential KEXPKEXP
KEXP-FM is a public radio station based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in alternative and indie rock programmed by its disc jockeys. Its broadcasting license is owned by the University of Washington, which operates the station in a partnership with Paul Allen's Experience Music Project...
DJ John Richards. As they played their third show in December, they were already receiving considerable attention, including frequent spins on KEXP
KEXP
KEXP-FM is a public radio station based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in alternative and indie rock programmed by its disc jockeys. Its broadcasting license is owned by the University of Washington, which operates the station in a partnership with Paul Allen's Experience Music Project...
.
The four-song EP Weekends Away
Weekends Away (EP)
Weekends Away is the first EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club and was released in February 2005.The band's initial demo attracted the attention of both Jimmy Tassos of Matinee Recordings and the influential KEXP DJ John Richards...
was released in February 2005 and received heavy radio play on stations such as KEXP
KEXP
KEXP-FM is a public radio station based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in alternative and indie rock programmed by its disc jockeys. Its broadcasting license is owned by the University of Washington, which operates the station in a partnership with Paul Allen's Experience Music Project...
and WOXY, picking up several reviews from the indiepop press. By late spring the band finally had a handful of shows under its belt, including a few West Coast stops with new labelmates The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths were an indie pop band from Melbourne, Australia known for witty, intelligent lyrics, a strong melodic sense and a jangly pop sound harkening back to early-80's bands such as The Smiths and The Go-Betweens.-History:...
, and an appearance at the annual Sasquatch! Music Festival
Sasquatch! Music Festival
Sasquatch! Music Festival is a music festival held annually at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. It is presented by the House of Blues. There is an emphasis on indie rock bands and singer-songwriters, although there are also alternative rock, hip hop and comedy acts...
(headlined by the Pixies). The Movie Ending Romance
Movie Ending Romance (EP)
Movie Ending Romance is the second EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club. Released in July 2005, it followed their debut EP Weekends Away by just five months.-Track listing:#"Movie Ending Romance"#"White and Grey"...
EP was released in July 2005 to further reviews and growing live audiences. The audience at the San Francisco Pop Festival saw them perform 'A is for Alphabet' with Razorcuts
Razorcuts
Razorcuts were an indie pop band formed in 1984 in London. The group centred around Gregory Webster and Tim Vass , with various musicians including Peter Momtchiloff of Heavenly. Early releases on the Subway Organisation label, including the debut Big Pink Cake led to a deal with Creation Records...
leader Gregory Webster
Gregory Webster
Gregory Webster is a British musician. In 1985 he founded the Razorcuts with Tim Vass. He then played in The Carousel with Elizabeth Price from 1989 to 1994. Soon after he was the main protagonist in Saturn V. In 1997 he founded Sportique, his present band, with Mark Flunder and Rob Pursey...
on vocals.
In September 2005, the band enjoyed playing to a packed crowd at Seattle’s Bumbershoot
Bumbershoot
Bumbershoot is an annual international music and arts festival held in Seattle, Washington. One of North America's largest such festivals, it takes place every Labor Day weekend at the 74-acre Seattle Center, which was built for the 1962 World's Fair. Seattle Center includes indoor theaters,...
music festival. Shortly afterward, the band began recording their debut LP Math and Physics Club
Math and Physics Club (album)
Math and Physics Club is the self-titled debut album from Seattle, Washington indie rock band Math and Physics Club. The album was recorded over two days in early June 2006 at Seattle's Avast! Recording...
which was released a year later in October 2006, meriting a favorable review from Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
and named "Best Indie Pop Album of 2006" by PopMatters
PopMatters
PopMatters is an international webzine of cultural criticism that covers many aspects of popular culture. PopMatters publishes reviews, interviews, and detailed essays on most cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, films, books, video games, comics, sports, theater,...
. The band's newest release Baby I'm Yours
Baby I'm Yours (EP)
Baby I'm Yours is the third EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club.- Production :Producer/engineer Kevin Suggs at Avast! Studio produced the first three songs on the EP, the fourth was produced by the band's bassist Ethan Jones...
was unveiled on October 1, 2007 with a short tour through southern California. According to the band's official web site, they are currently recording a new album in Seattle for release in 2010.
Both Charles and James were raised in Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington
Olympia is the capital city of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. It was incorporated on January 28, 1859. The population was 46,478 at the 2010 census...
, home of K Records
K Records
K Records is an independent record label in Olympia, Washington, co-founded, owned, and operated by Calvin Johnson, formerly of the bands Cool Rays, Beat Happening, The Go Team, The Halo Benders and presently in the bands Dub Narcotic Sound System and The Hive Dwellers...
and Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in both Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The label has released a variety of work in different genres, making it difficult to pigeonhole as having any one artistic mission...
, and they soaked up a thriving indie music scene. Before convening Math and Physics Club they were in a band called Drive Car Girl (named after a Beat Happening
Beat Happening
Beat Happening is an American punk band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1982. Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis and Bret Lunsford have been the band's continual members...
song). They played about a dozen shows at local clubs and coffee houses with a set of 12-15 original songs, along with covers of songs by REM, Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sandra Sinatra is an American singer and actress. She is the daughter of singer/actor Frank Sinatra, and remains best known for her 1966 signature hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"....
and Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
. Former members of Drive Car Girl include Brent Cole Whats Up Magazine and Sean Berry Double Crown Records. Elsewhere, Ethan shared guitar chords with high school friend Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Rachel Brownstein , is an American musician, writer, and actress, best known as a guitarist and vocalist in the now-defunct Portland, Oregon-based band Sleater-Kinney...
and later, as a student at The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College is an accredited public liberal arts college and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. It is located in Olympia, Washington, USA. Founded in 1967, Evergreen was formed to be an experimental and non-traditional college...
featured in Jenny Jenkins' musical "Love Is Stupid" opposite Mirah
Mirah
Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn , is an American musician based in San Francisco California. She has released five albums under the K Records label.- Background :...
. Ethan also began the Internet's first Beach Boys related mailing list, called "surfsup", in January 1994.
Influences
Math and Physics Club can be seen as musical descendants of C86C86 (music)
C86 is a cassette compilation released by the British music magazine NME in 1986, featuring new bands licensed from independent labels of the time. As a phrase, C86 quickly evolved into shorthand for a guitar-based musical genre characterised by "jangly" guitars and fey melodies, although other...
and Sarah Records
Sarah Records
Sarah Records was a UK independent record label active between 1987 and 1995, best known for its recordings of indie pop.The label was formed in Bristol in 1987 by Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes, and grew out of the fanzine scene at the time, Haynes having previously edited Are You Scared To Get...
although no formal connection exists. They are also influenced by The Softies
The Softies
The Softies were a musical duo consisting of Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia, whose genre was love songs using only their two voices and electric guitars....
, The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
, The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
, The Posies
The Posies
The Posies are an alternative rock/power pop group. The band was formed in 1987 in Bellingham, Washington by primary songwriters Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow. They are best known for their radio hits "Golden Blunders" , as well as "Dream All Day", "Solar Sister" and "Flavor of the Month"...
, Belle and Sebastian, Beat Happening
Beat Happening
Beat Happening is an American punk band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1982. Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis and Bret Lunsford have been the band's continual members...
, and The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths were an indie pop band from Melbourne, Australia known for witty, intelligent lyrics, a strong melodic sense and a jangly pop sound harkening back to early-80's bands such as The Smiths and The Go-Betweens.-History:...
.
Albums
- Math and Physics ClubMath and Physics Club (album)Math and Physics Club is the self-titled debut album from Seattle, Washington indie rock band Math and Physics Club. The album was recorded over two days in early June 2006 at Seattle's Avast! Recording...
, 2006 Matinee Recordings - I Shouldn't Look As Good As I Do, 2010 Matinee Recordings
EPs
- Weekends AwayWeekends Away (EP)Weekends Away is the first EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club and was released in February 2005.The band's initial demo attracted the attention of both Jimmy Tassos of Matinee Recordings and the influential KEXP DJ John Richards...
2005 Matinee Recordings - Movie Ending RomanceMovie Ending Romance (EP)Movie Ending Romance is the second EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club. Released in July 2005, it followed their debut EP Weekends Away by just five months.-Track listing:#"Movie Ending Romance"#"White and Grey"...
2005 Matinee Recordings - Baby I'm YoursBaby I'm Yours (EP)Baby I'm Yours is the third EP from Seattle, Washington indie pop band Math and Physics Club.- Production :Producer/engineer Kevin Suggs at Avast! Studio produced the first three songs on the EP, the fourth was produced by the band's bassist Ethan Jones...
2007, Matinee Recordings
Singles
- 7, with Acid House KingsAcid House KingsAcid House Kings is a Swedish indie pop band. It was founded in 1991 by Joakim Ödlund and brothers Niklas and Johan Angergård .-History:...
, SambassadeurSambassadeurSambassadeur are a Swedish pop band formed in 2003 in Gothenburg. They are named after the Serge Gainsbourg song "Les Sambassadeurs." The band are signed to the Labrador label, and to date, they have released three studio albums and a handful of EPs and singles...
, and Loveninjas, 2006 Tragadiscos - Jimmy Had A Polaroid 2010 Matinee Recordings
Compilations
- Strength in Numbers, 2005
- Matinee Hit Parade, 2007 Matinee Recordings
- The Matinee Grand Prix, 2009 Matinee Recordings
- Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to TullycraftWish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to TullycraftWish I'd Kept A Scrapbook: A Tribute to Tullycraftis a 2010 tribute album to the pioneering indiepop / twee band Tullycraft.The album, released on Unchikun Records, features cover versions of...
, 2010 Unchikun Records
External links
- http://www.mathandphysicsclub.com - the band's official site
- http://www.myspace.com/mapc - the band's Myspace Page (currently run by the band)
- http://www.indiepages.com/matinee - Matinee Recordings
- http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll - Allmusic.com
- http://threeimaginarygirls.com/band/mathandphysicsclub - MAPC on Three Imaginary Girls