Intentionally using numbers and formulas to create music. The patterns usually consist of 1's and 2's with accents on the 1's; Using any rhythmic pattern of chug-chugs to create an odd time-signature. Another common practice is to add or subtract a beat from an even time signature.
by "Loc Star" November 1, 2005
Get the mathrock mug.Math rock is a very loosely defined genre of music. The term is hard to describe and often misused. However, one good way to describe it is as a style of rock that has almost no trace of folk or blues, which is the traditional definition of rock. Instead, the sound may have a loose, jazzy-like and spontaneous feeling, in contrast to the direct and compelling sound of blues and folk. At the same time however, the music is also calculated, and instrumental riffs are often based on timed formulas. For example, a guitar riff may repeat a sequence of five quarter-notes over 4/4 time signature, thus giving the listener an overall feeling of chaos, in spite of the riffs rigid structure.
The genre is gaining more influence, especially in the Los Angeles area. Bands like The Blood Brothers, Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, and An Albatross are some of the most famous math rock bands.
by Tyrone Jiggadubz September 1, 2005
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n.
1. A term that encompasses most all modern progressive rock or metal that places emphasis on time signature modulation and meter as opposed to dynamics, melody, or harmony. "Math rock/metal" encompasses everything from the jazzier leanings of post rock act Slint, to the phrase swapping and odd meters of the Dillinger Escape Plan, and even the hemiola and polyrhythm experiments of bands like Meshuggah and Tool.
2. A term often falsely described as "intelligent music" by people who simply regurgitate what they are told and apparently have no idea how to count.
1. A term that encompasses most all modern progressive rock or metal that places emphasis on time signature modulation and meter as opposed to dynamics, melody, or harmony. "Math rock/metal" encompasses everything from the jazzier leanings of post rock act Slint, to the phrase swapping and odd meters of the Dillinger Escape Plan, and even the hemiola and polyrhythm experiments of bands like Meshuggah and Tool.
2. A term often falsely described as "intelligent music" by people who simply regurgitate what they are told and apparently have no idea how to count.
by Sommy July 9, 2004
Get the math rock/metal mug.A loose grouping of bands into a genre (but not a specific scene) of varying sounds. All share similar, abstract qualities and most find jazz as an influence. The math rock movement mostly occured during the mid to late 1990s. Bands that can be called math rock include June of 44, Rodan, Polvo, and the 1.6 Band.
by andrew September 24, 2004
Get the math rock mug.by Sethzky October 20, 2008
Get the Math Rock mug.A type of Progressive rock or metal. The "math" part of the name comes from the intricate polyrhythms and time signatures. Bands include: Messhugah, Opeth, Tool
"Holy crap, this band Messhugah is the epitome of math metal! Almost every one of their songs is in 23/16 meter."
by Devin April 3, 2004
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