SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: NEW MATH – DIE TRYING & OTHER HOT SOUNDS (1979-1983)

NEW MATH
DIE TRYING & OTHER HOT SOUNDS (1979-1983)
PROPELLER SOUND RECORDINGS

In 1976, a few friends got together in Rochester, NY, and formed a band. Kevin Patrick (vocals), Gary Trainer (bass), Chris Yockel (guitar). Roy Stein (drums) and Mark Schwarz (keyboards), and became known as New Math. They were influenced by the sounds they were hearing out of England during their first wave of Punk. They wrote their own songs, and by 1979 were ready to begin recording. Their debut single, originally released on an independent label, got picked up by CBS Records in the UK and the single was released there.

The band went on to record many singles and albums over the years, and although members changed, the sound remained the same. Die Trying & Other Hot Sounds (1979 – 1983) is a loving tribute to New Math. By 1979 their sound had changed and had more in common with power pop and New Wave than Punk. One cannot help but hear the influence of The Undertones on “Take To The Night”.

That is the charm of this album, one can hear a band grow, transform, and find their own sound. The only downside of the collection is that it is far too short. This is a compliment more than a criticism. Their ability to write strong melodies makes their music instantly accessible.

New Math never made it as big as they should have. Perhaps the numerous member changes and the move to Los Angeles did not help them, but this collection is evidence of a young and hungry band influenced by Punk and New Wave. Die Trying & Other Hot Sounds (1979 – 1983) is a great sampler and probably a great introduction to a band that deserved to have more exposure than it did. It is a second chance to dig into the music of New Math.

SPILL FEATURE: DIE TRYING – A CONVERSATION WITH GARY TRAINER OF NEW MATH

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