YOU AND ME AND THE MOUNTAIN

Dirty spit-in-your-face Mathrock this is not. Inventive absolutely, distinctive to be sure, but the Don Cab comparisons to this foursome are dubious. In fact M&A bear little resemblance to most number crunchers, exhibiting a far more developed and stylized palette that may vaguely remind of a vocal-oriented Tortoise (or even Steely Dan gone math geek). Guitarist/singer David Davison whines attractively above the carousel of ringing and clinking mazes carefully worked by the second guitar of Erin Elders, Shiraz Dada's bass and Chris Hainey's traps, and recalls - of all people - a young Peter Gabriel complete with lyrics full of daydream abstractions. It's a mix that works surprisingly well.

Strange and squeaky 'Witch' builds on an otherwise throwaway riff, turning into a rather neat mantra, the guitars providing little breaks and the band's subtle dynamics shifting here and there just enough to alter the effect. Just as odd is 'Artichokes' with Davison's semi-pop warbles contrasted by the crashing rhythm section. The title is in a slightly more familiar math vein and is outstanding, blending maze music with prog rock changes, while dreamy 'Daily News' develops well with melody and counterpoint, and the jerky shuffle of 'Ted Zancha' is a bit loony and seems to put us in the head of some disturbed individual.

A refreshing change of pace as mathrock goes with a gentler band that gives the style room to breathe. Very nice.