Equals

Equals juggles far more complex equations on its eponymous debut. The young math-rock quintet works in angles, crafting clean instrumental suites with asymmetrical time signatures that in the processed vox and computer-generated beats of "Salvo" land in Battles territory. The five compositions boast surprising clarity and confidence, maintaining an emotional breadth amid prog-rock complexities ("Electric Blanket"). - Austin Chronicle

Equals juggles far more complex equations on its eponymous debut. The young math-rock quintet works in angles, crafting clean instrumental suites with asymmetrical time signatures that in the processed vox and computer-generated beats of "Salvo" land in Battles territory. The five compositions boast surprising clarity and confidence, maintaining an emotional breadth amid prog-rock complexities ("Electric Blanket"). - Austin Chronicle

Equals begins with a jolting and powerful crash. I forgot I was listening to Weatherbox’s The Cosmic Drama before going to bed last night and my stereo was much louder then my roommates would probably prefer. Nonetheless, I was suddenly wide awake and curious as to where this San Marcos, Texas based five-piece’s debut EP would take me.

Equals is comprised of five friends that met throughout high school. The bands formation follows that of many young groups; Friends with diverse musical backgrounds grow apart from their respective bands while realizing they share both musical talent and the desire to create a more textured and complex sound. The band wrote, rehearsed, and performed throughout Central Texas for over a year before settling down at home to fine tune the five songs that make up the EP. Recorded at various studios, living rooms and bedrooms with the help of Alex Bhore (producer/engineer & drummer for This Will Destroy You) and Alan Douches (Animal Collective, Sufjan Stevens) the self titled EP is an ambitious and innovative take on instrumental rock.

“False Light” builds upon itself like a new relationship. Emotive and eager to develop into a perfect harmonious balance, the track grows and culminates with Cinemechanica-esque guitar work before breaking down to a satisfied and almost delicate closing. The following tracks follow in the path of “False Light” but each carries a clearly individual feel. It’s clear Equals draws influence from some of the more well known names in ambient/progressive crowd like Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky and even Battles but their real talent stands out with their utilization of programmed beats and effects overlaid by fluid and rhythmic instrumentation.

If anything, this EP gives the listener only a mere glimpse of what these guys are capable of. Equals clocks in at right around twenty minutes, but nearly as soon as the album concluded I was just really figuring their music out. Think Radiohead meets Zombi meets Boards of Canada meets Do Make Say Think. Really just think Equals. Keep your eye on these guys. - The Blue Indian

Equals begins with a jolting and powerful crash. I forgot I was listening to Weatherbox’s The Cosmic Drama before going to bed last night and my stereo was much louder then my roommates would probably prefer. Nonetheless, I was suddenly wide awake and curious as to where this San Marcos, Texas based five-piece’s debut EP would take me.

Equals is comprised of five friends that met throughout high school. The bands formation follows that of many young groups; Friends with diverse musical backgrounds grow apart from their respective bands while realizing they share both musical talent and the desire to create a more textured and complex sound. The band wrote, rehearsed, and performed throughout Central Texas for over a year before settling down at home to fine tune the five songs that make up the EP. Recorded at various studios, living rooms and bedrooms with the help of Alex Bhore (producer/engineer & drummer for This Will Destroy You) and Alan Douches (Animal Collective, Sufjan Stevens) the self titled EP is an ambitious and innovative take on instrumental rock.

“False Light” builds upon itself like a new relationship. Emotive and eager to develop into a perfect harmonious balance, the track grows and culminates with Cinemechanica-esque guitar work before breaking down to a satisfied and almost delicate closing. The following tracks follow in the path of “False Light” but each carries a clearly individual feel. It’s clear Equals draws influence from some of the more well known names in ambient/progressive crowd like Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky and even Battles but their real talent stands out with their utilization of programmed beats and effects overlaid by fluid and rhythmic instrumentation.

If anything, this EP gives the listener only a mere glimpse of what these guys are capable of. Equals clocks in at right around twenty minutes, but nearly as soon as the album concluded I was just really figuring their music out. Think Radiohead meets Zombi meets Boards of Canada meets Do Make Say Think. Really just think Equals. Keep your eye on these guys. - The Blue Indian

Texas is bursting with instrumental bands, the latest from this pool of talent is Equals, who have recently released their debut self-titled EP. These guys are incredible musicians and play inspired instrumental post rock jams. Below we have posted a couple of tracks for you to check out while you read our interview with them.

What’s the latest with the band these days?
Just trying to promote the EP, playing a couple shows in September (opening up for the Octopus Project September 9th at Texas Music Theater and playing Wild Frontier Fest 2 in Austin at Emo’s…this is all in the same weekend!) and then trying to buckle down and write some new material and get it out as quickly as possible.

How does the new album stand up to your previous work?
When we first started the music had more of a dub influence. That fell by the wayside and focused on something else.

Does the new recording capture the energy and feeling of your live performance?
I’d say there’s nothing like really seeing it in person. To some degree our recordings capture the right mood, but not the intensity of a live show.

What music influences the band?
Music with a melodic nature. Music with a lot of feeling. It’s great also when there’s interplay/good instrumentation but that’s not the main focus. Interesting structures/phrasing. I’d say music that walks a fine line between unconventional/experimental tendencies and good grooves. Music that’s different but still accessible.

Do you think any of those influences come across in your new album?
Sure. No one is completely original. We hope to create something new in the process but we definitely wear our influences on our sleeve.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by making music, and all that goes along with it?
Yes. I think we’re all trying to do something different but I feel that the best method is to try and not get to hung up on things. Definitely have before and still do at times. Feeling pressured to make an amazing piece of music can bog down the work sometimes. I think as long as we’re doing something interesting and we have a general idea of what we’re doing, things should pan out fine. I feel that I used to be a lot more serious and most times letting go makes me feel better about everything.

What’s been the biggest highlights of the band throughout your history?
Recording with Alex Bhore (This Will Destroy You) in Waxahachie, Texas. It was an extremely positive recording experience and I can comfortably say that it’s probably the best time in a studio we’ve all had.

The current sound that you guys have now, was this the original sound or has it taken a lot to develop that?
No, it took a while before we really honed our sound. That’s part of the reason it has taken us this long to put out our first EP. I think it’s still being mapped out now. I don’t know if it will ever be perfectly clear because I think we should constantly be switching gears and learning about new music.

Who is your favorite band, and how did they reach that status with you?
Hard to choose but I would say that Tortoise or Radiohead is probably close to the top of the list. They both have shape-shifted over time and are constantly doing interesting things. Being able to move past defining what we are is important.

Are any of you guys currently in other bands?
Logan plays keys for another post-rock band called Tactics (which also features some of our good friends in Zlam Dunk).

What do you love about music, besides interviews?
The way music can surprise you. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, there’s always something else out there. - Indie Rock Reviews

Texas is bursting with instrumental bands, the latest from this pool of talent is Equals, who have recently released their debut self-titled EP. These guys are incredible musicians and play inspired instrumental post rock jams. Below we have posted a couple of tracks for you to check out while you read our interview with them.

What’s the latest with the band these days?
Just trying to promote the EP, playing a couple shows in September (opening up for the Octopus Project September 9th at Texas Music Theater and playing Wild Frontier Fest 2 in Austin at Emo’s…this is all in the same weekend!) and then trying to buckle down and write some new material and get it out as quickly as possible.

How does the new album stand up to your previous work?
When we first started the music had more of a dub influence. That fell by the wayside and focused on something else.

Does the new recording capture the energy and feeling of your live performance?
I’d say there’s nothing like really seeing it in person. To some degree our recordings capture the right mood, but not the intensity of a live show.

What music influences the band?
Music with a melodic nature. Music with a lot of feeling. It’s great also when there’s interplay/good instrumentation but that’s not the main focus. Interesting structures/phrasing. I’d say music that walks a fine line between unconventional/experimental tendencies and good grooves. Music that’s different but still accessible.

Do you think any of those influences come across in your new album?
Sure. No one is completely original. We hope to create something new in the process but we definitely wear our influences on our sleeve.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by making music, and all that goes along with it?
Yes. I think we’re all trying to do something different but I feel that the best method is to try and not get to hung up on things. Definitely have before and still do at times. Feeling pressured to make an amazing piece of music can bog down the work sometimes. I think as long as we’re doing something interesting and we have a general idea of what we’re doing, things should pan out fine. I feel that I used to be a lot more serious and most times letting go makes me feel better about everything.

What’s been the biggest highlights of the band throughout your history?
Recording with Alex Bhore (This Will Destroy You) in Waxahachie, Texas. It was an extremely positive recording experience and I can comfortably say that it’s probably the best time in a studio we’ve all had.

The current sound that you guys have now, was this the original sound or has it taken a lot to develop that?
No, it took a while before we really honed our sound. That’s part of the reason it has taken us this long to put out our first EP. I think it’s still being mapped out now. I don’t know if it will ever be perfectly clear because I think we should constantly be switching gears and learning about new music.

Who is your favorite band, and how did they reach that status with you?
Hard to choose but I would say that Tortoise or Radiohead is probably close to the top of the list. They both have shape-shifted over time and are constantly doing interesting things. Being able to move past defining what we are is important.

Are any of you guys currently in other bands?
Logan plays keys for another post-rock band called Tactics (which also features some of our good friends in Zlam Dunk).

What do you love about music, besides interviews?
The way music can surprise you. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, there’s always something else out there. - Indie Rock Reviews

I feel like this band means business. The way they play, the way they conduct themselves, and even the scary disclaimer at the bottom of their email shows that Equals is here to stay. Their style is extremely technical, especially the drummer (I don’t know if you’re reading this, but woah) and their energy is off the charts, comparable to And So I Watch You From Afar. They get groovy at times like Gifts From Enola (“Electric Blanket”), feature clicking gallops like Maps & Atlases (“False Light”), but then take a completely different turn into something all their own (“Salvo”). A band that sounds similar to Battles, but still has a unique sound (the banjo (?) at the end of “Salvo” was incredible).

Essentially, I described this band by referencing a few different bands, but that’s because it’s difficult to capture the truest essence of Equals in words. The first word that comes to mind is professional. Equals seems serious about how they play, down to the great recording quality. The second word is spunk. They don’t simply rely on the soundscapes they create; they use it to bring you into a different world. Their world. One where every last second is precious and every last detail much be exact. I feel like I should be saying more, but the only thing I can say with certainty is that you WILL love this album. It’s everything I was expecting and more.

Rating: 5/5 kegs. A definite contender for this years best post-rock album. - Is This Revolutionary

I feel like this band means business. The way they play, the way they conduct themselves, and even the scary disclaimer at the bottom of their email shows that Equals is here to stay. Their style is extremely technical, especially the drummer (I don’t know if you’re reading this, but woah) and their energy is off the charts, comparable to And So I Watch You From Afar. They get groovy at times like Gifts From Enola (“Electric Blanket”), feature clicking gallops like Maps & Atlases (“False Light”), but then take a completely different turn into something all their own (“Salvo”). A band that sounds similar to Battles, but still has a unique sound (the banjo (?) at the end of “Salvo” was incredible).

Essentially, I described this band by referencing a few different bands, but that’s because it’s difficult to capture the truest essence of Equals in words. The first word that comes to mind is professional. Equals seems serious about how they play, down to the great recording quality. The second word is spunk. They don’t simply rely on the soundscapes they create; they use it to bring you into a different world. Their world. One where every last second is precious and every last detail much be exact. I feel like I should be saying more, but the only thing I can say with certainty is that you WILL love this album. It’s everything I was expecting and more.

Rating: 5/5 kegs. A definite contender for this years best post-rock album. - Is This Revolutionary

Texas, especially in the summer time, seems to breed bands that just want to get down and play together, fully unleashing whatever sounds come to their fingers. Such is the case with up-and-comers, Equals, one of the newest in the Texas field of post-rock. While the beginning and end definitely rely upon the quieter side of the musical stream, you’ll find that there’s some chaos swirling in the middle for you, giving you precisely that level of noise many need in their instrumental rock. The group is releasing their debut self-titled EP on August 30th, and from there, they can only get bigger. Let’s do this. - Austin Town Hall

Texas, especially in the summer time, seems to breed bands that just want to get down and play together, fully unleashing whatever sounds come to their fingers. Such is the case with up-and-comers, Equals, one of the newest in the Texas field of post-rock. While the beginning and end definitely rely upon the quieter side of the musical stream, you’ll find that there’s some chaos swirling in the middle for you, giving you precisely that level of noise many need in their instrumental rock. The group is releasing their debut self-titled EP on August 30th, and from there, they can only get bigger. Let’s do this. - Austin Town Hall

Texas-based experimental instrumentalists Equals are putting out their self-titled debut EP  August 30th 2011 via Manateam Records. The densely layered songs all have their distinctive storyboard of moods and textures, each one a lovely surprise yet all five somehow melding together to form a cohesive, cinematic whole. Band members Alex Guzman (bass) Matt Toman (drums) Logan Wexler (keyboards) and guitarists Simon McDonald and Dylan Storey weave a sonic palette that’s expansive and infinite yet snugly arranged with a deft technical precision. Their first single First Light exemplifies the unexpected journey Equals takes their listeners on. At first swirling airy atmospheres give way to a blitz of driving beats and searing guitar prowess which eventually soften into a beautifully ominous fadeout. Some longer, some short and sweet, the songs on Equals are each an exercise in top-notch ambient virtuoso and indulgence. Fans of Tortoise, Maserati and Mercury Program will be sure to want to check it out. So put on a pair of head-cans, sit back and enjoy. - My Old Kentucky Blog

Texas-based experimental instrumentalists Equals are putting out their self-titled debut EP  August 30th 2011 via Manateam Records. The densely layered songs all have their distinctive storyboard of moods and textures, each one a lovely surprise yet all five somehow melding together to form a cohesive, cinematic whole. Band members Alex Guzman (bass) Matt Toman (drums) Logan Wexler (keyboards) and guitarists Simon McDonald and Dylan Storey weave a sonic palette that’s expansive and infinite yet snugly arranged with a deft technical precision. Their first single First Light exemplifies the unexpected journey Equals takes their listeners on. At first swirling airy atmospheres give way to a blitz of driving beats and searing guitar prowess which eventually soften into a beautifully ominous fadeout. Some longer, some short and sweet, the songs on Equals are each an exercise in top-notch ambient virtuoso and indulgence. Fans of Tortoise, Maserati and Mercury Program will be sure to want to check it out. So put on a pair of head-cans, sit back and enjoy. - My Old Kentucky Blog