Review Summary: A culmination of everything in contemporary math rock.
Instrumental math rock has really transformed over the past few years, with a bunch of artists taking the genre and giving it a fresh twist through new guitar techniques and melodic approaches. Recently, though, it feels like math rock has hit a bit of a plateau. The current scene seems pretty established, making it tough for new artists to stand out among the crowd. Ben Rosett is one of those modern artists who draws inspiration from the current math rock scene but still manages to bring something unique to the mix. His album "SYNERGY Vol. 1" clearly takes cues from contemporary artists, and honestly, it’s hard not to be influenced by them. We humans adapt and innovate, and that’s exactly what Rosett has done here.
A lot of the tracks feature those laid-back lofi beats that fit perfectly within this style. Ichika Nito has really embraced this vibe lately, and it pairs beautifully with those Midwest emo-inspired riffs. There’s a richness to the sound that reminds me of CHON, creating a chill atmosphere that complements the lofi drums. I’m really glad Rosett is channeling a band like CHON for this project instead of going the Dance Gavin Dance route. Honestly, I feel like swancore has been overdone, and that particular style of math rock has been stuck in a rut for ages. Rosett has worked with bands like Strawberry Girls before, who do carry that swancore influence.
A track like "GIMME ALLADAT LUV" showcases some stunning chords that are just delightful to listen to. Plus, Rosett incorporates a modern guitar technique that’s been gaining traction lately, reminiscent of what Polyphia are known for. That whammy flutter really adds some flair to the riffs. "SYNERGY, Vol. 1" definitely has some Polyphia vibes going on, but thankfully it doesn’t go overboard like some other bands inspired by them tend to do. The way the melodic lead lines are played really captures that Polyphia style, especially with those slick modern slides they love. The tone is unmistakably Polyphia, but in a good way—it has that fresh sound that really connects with today’s listeners. You can also hear a lot of Covet influence, which brings a sense of calmness to the music. Their mesmerizing tap riffs create a lush atmosphere.
A track like "VIOLET EVERGARDEN" seems to draw from Covet’s more recent work, bringing in that upbeat energy that feels more accessible. I appreciate how these songs are presented here, especially since I’ve found modern Covet’s production a bit too fuzzy for my liking. The constant buzzing can get a little annoying. On "SYNERGY, Vol. 1," the drum mixing feels much more balanced, making it a more enjoyable listen overall. There’s also a touch of Cartoon Theory in the production, which I think is one of the first bands to use this style in math rock music. Those lofi vocal chops in the background really add a catchy element to the sound. Plus, the ambiance creates a sense of space.
Some tracks even feature vocals, which is what I’ve always wanted from Covet since they started adding them. Whenever they included vocals, it often felt a bit off, with Yvette Young struggling to balance technicality and melody. A track like "EEVEE VMAX" from "SYNERGY, Vol. 1" is hands down one of the best vocal inclusions I've come across in this modern math rock scene. It definitely channels some MGMT vibes, and the way the intricate riffs and vocals blend together creates a super smooth listening experience.
"SYNERGY, Vol. 1" really delivers everything you could ask for in contemporary math rock, catering to all kinds of fans. The solid and cohesive song structures keep things catchy and engaging. Even though the album runs for over an hour, it feels like a grand showcase of sound that constantly evolves, ensuring it never gets stale and always offers something new with each track.
