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Reviews

Mathematicians — Factor of Four
(Acme AR-M02, 1996, CD)

by Rob Walker, Published 1997-02-01

Factor of Four Cover art

Factor of Four is the second release from this all-instrumental quartet. Their music is a mix of somewhat rhythmically intricate symphonic elements with an occasional contemporary fusion feel featuring the adept electric guitar solos and digital synth textures common to that genre. They have an affinity for odd-metered grooves during the more jam-oriented sections, and do a good job of avoiding staleness, keeping the sequence of musical ideas in their songs flowing along. These both make for an interesting, if not overly memorable, listening experience. Factor of Four is more aggressive and diverse than their first album, but not nearly as strong. The songs range from a restrained ballad with a nice electric violin-like lead to an energetic cover of Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein," but the digital ambience comes off a bit drier here, and some of the more delicate melodicism of the first album is lacking. To their credit, Mathematicians don't readily remind one of any particular groups, but Factor of Four doesn't necessarily promote an overly engaging original sound either.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 11, 1996 releases

Related artist(s): Mathematicians

 

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