In the last decade or so math rock globally has gone from strength to strength and the rise of various instrumental bands has been a large part of that. Collaborations have been a key element to many a band’s journey to expand their sound into new territories and explore lyrical themes. A-Tota-So have gone full in with their new record to bring in some of the most exciting talent around the underground scene.
However, before we start to feel all fuzzy about bringing chums along on this ride this is a record that puts a looking glass over the darker shadows in life. Opener ‘Choke’ feat. Jake O’Driscoll (God Alone) looks at the feeling of a tightened chest and anxiety. A punchy rhythm belts out as the core trio of Marty, Jamie and Chris are playing a heavier card sonically. Their intertwining rhythms, splicing between distorted punk and twingly guitar lines underpin the grizzled roar of Jake. Reminiscent of early Pulled Apart By Horses.
Track two carries a similar vibe sonically, but surprisingly guest vocalist Damien Sayell (The St. Pierre Snake Invasion/mclusky) brings more melody than grit than he is known for. The quartet wind through catchy danceable riffs throwing in a scratchy guitar solo and a fuzz laden wavey bass rising to the top of the mix. ‘Dream far off’ sung through layered melodies from Damien lead us into pleasantly into Aisling Whiting’s (Sang Froid) guest spot.
A severely underrated vocalist, Aisling a floatingly light sweet touch to a dark almost mournful tale. Strings adding a deep melancholy. A song bursting with emotion and a highlight of the album.‘Sad Lamps’ further down the album featuring Ellie Godwin (No Violet) another delicate yet powerful wails bringing a perfect fourth piece to the fold.
The other side of the coin this record brings in more punk and post-hardcore elements echoing Future of the Left and Fall of Troy. ‘Footprints on the Ceiling’ featuring Brian Scally (Ganglions) an a superb example of discordant guitars backing a brief moment of triumph within the gloomier lyrics. An urging celebration of live music and seeing friends again nudging you to peel yourself off the sofa and out again into the world.
Anger sears through ‘Squirrel Bait’ which pulls in some additional keys from Poly-Math’s Josh Gesner. Shifting through what seems like the back catalogue of At The Drive In and The Mars Volta. A jaunty protest song that filters out into a hypnotising and ethereal feel. A moment of calm.
The best is left for last though. Ashley Tubb showing just why Sugar Horse have been hyped so much since their releases last year. His range from guttural screams, whispers, straight up shouting and even a bit of harmony. This is the perfect way to wrap up the journey through the best of UK’s underground scene. The rough through to the smooth, the sweet and the sour.
A-Tota-So have pulled off quite the logistical feat putting together this album especially when recorded during the pandemic. Every vocalist they picked fits perfectly with the themes covered and it flows exceptionally well where others might have failed adding eight vocalists.
A-Tota-So were already brilliant as a three piece and may that continue, but this is proof that when done thoughtfully adding new ingredients to your core band can produce tasty treats like this.