CINEMECHANICA

This band began in 2002 by Mike Albanese (drums), Bryant Williamson (guitar, vocals), Andy Pruett (guitar, vocals) and Joel Halstat (bass) and under that lineup released one album, one EP and a split before disbanding and then regrouping with a different lineup and firing off one more album in 2016. This debut album THE MARITAL ARTS V2 came out in 2006 and featured nine tracks that captured the spirit of heavy aggressive post-hardcore not too distantly far from what The Mars Volta was putting out about then only in the context of nerdy math rock with some moments of post-rock cyclical grooving.

At only a tiny bit over 31 minutes, THE MARTIAL ARTS V2 comes off as a post-punk album in every way with quick snappy tracks that burst with energy and alternate between vocal driven angsty numbers and more contemplative instrumentals. The vocals are probably my least favorite aspect of CINEMACHANICA as they feature those familiar snarly screamo styled shouts but the music on here is more akin to a much heavier Minutemen with a bit of Captain Beefheart angularity from time to time. This is rapid-fire math rock with frenetic rhythms, explosive deliveries and heavy distortion. You know, youthful angsty noise music only with the nerdy incorporation of brutal prog elements.

Overall not a bad album at all with lots of complex syncopated rhythms, unexpected hairpin turns yet solid grooves and seasoned musicians who are well versed in prog complexities. Despite all that this band still retains all those abrasive youthful qualities that make post-punk so punky! As much as i want to like this one, something just doesn't take it to the next level as there's nothing here that's totally original and as i've already stated i'm not a big fan of the vocals. For those who crave to seek out every last nugget of the progressive punk = pronk artists then this is definitely one you won't want to miss but it lacks a return value.

3.5 rounded down

But Cinemechanica is the mother of all these bands. (At least to me.) The Martial Arts is full of a combination of constant mutation and repetition of short catchy weird riffs that might have you humming after two or three listens. I mightily enjoy almost every song on the album, with the highlights being the instrumental songs.

The only problem I find on this album is the vocals. They are yelled and while semi-understandable, bring not much to the musicality of the album. Would it have been much more impressive if they had to weave MELODIES into a lot of these complex riffs? The screaming in monotone and almost makes the album a 3 star, but luckily this band realizes where their strengths lie- many of the songs have no vocals at all.

So I give thee a FO' Star.