#twinkly math

I’ll be reviewing some Math rock, Midwest emo, and twinkly math riff-y records I liked in 2019 when I get the chance. 

Origami Angel, Somewhere City

Origami Angel are a rad D.C. duo playing a brand of midwest emo, mixing poppy vocals, blast beats, breakdowns and an all-around cheery dose of pure shred. 

The lyrical content of this album makes it somewhat of a concept album, inviting listeners to the fictional locale of the titular Somewhere City, a place that, you’ll come to learn, was in your head all along. Lyrical themes include struggling with and overcoming depression as well as calling on your friends (and really the city itself to) cheer you up. Citizens of Somewhere City are apparently big fans of late night McDonald’s drive-thru runs, the middle-era Pokemon games, and roller coasters. The intro track welcomes us to the city limits offering warmth, but also a punch to combat the inevitable melancholy that always lurks beneath the surface in the midwest emo sound. 

When I feel so lost, without a plan or a purpose, a cent or a dollar or even a cause I know where I need to go to feel better, Somewhere that I know that I'll always belong Finally I know that I'm not alone here Finally I feel like I have a home here

This is simultaneously a very heavy and poppy record, and the mix of the two all ties together wonderfully. Tracks like “666 Flags” and “Doctor Whomst” will have your air-guitar fingers a-twiddling (complete with blast beats) and sooth you with a warm guitar tone and wholesome lyrics. “24 Hr Drive-Thru” feels like the most straightforward poppy-rock song on the album, and then at the half-way mark it takes off into the math rock stratosphere. 

i'll text you when i'm on my way i'll do anything that it takes, drive-thru the thunder and rain so we can fill up both of our water cups with Dr. Pepper and then act like we paid it'll be okay

I love the production on this record--They really fill a beautiful soundscape with just drums and a guitar. Recent videos of their sets on tour demonstrate that none of that energy is lost in the live setting. 

This was hands-down my favorite album of the year despite coming in late with it’s November release. It really made an impact in the early winter. Somewhere City really helped fight the first round of seasonal depression and I’ll definitely keep it in the arsenal. 

“There’s just something in the air up here....”