B-Side Guys

In the realm of instrumental post-rock, where the absence of lyrics often demands more from the music itself, Mystery Math’s latest single “This Page Intentionally Left Black” delivers a masterclass in tension and release. The track, which emerges from the band’s transition from solo project to full-fledged quartet, showcases a sophisticated understanding of dynamic progression that belies its relatively young existence as a complete unit.

The opening minutes establish a hypnotic groundwork, with Greg Evangelista’s drums providing a steady heartbeat that allows the composition to breathe and expand naturally. This foundation serves as more than mere rhythm – it’s a launchpad for the sonic exploration that follows, demonstrating the band’s evolution from Christopher Halverson’s basement recordings to a more expansive, collaborative sound.

Ray Goode’s lead guitar work weaves through the arrangement with remarkable restraint, showing particular maturity in knowing when to hold back. The restraint in the first two-thirds of the track makes the eventual crescendo all the more impactful, creating a sense of earned catharsis rather than manufactured drama.

The integration of Nate Dort’s bass and keyboard elements adds crucial layers to the song’s texture, building bridges between the rhythm section and lead instruments. These elements don’t simply fill space – they create it, carving out sonic territories that allow the composition to expand and contract organically.

What’s particularly striking about “This Page Intentionally Left Black” is its patience. Many instrumental tracks rush to their climax, but Mystery Math understands the value of the slow burn. The gradual build over the first two-thirds of the song creates an almost meditative state, making the explosive final third feel like an awakening rather than an interruption.

The production quality marks a significant step forward from the home-recorded feel of “Finally Found It,” though it maintains enough warmth to avoid feeling sterile. The mix allows each instrument to occupy its own space while still functioning as part of a greater whole, particularly during the track’s more intense moments.

In the final third, when the track finally unleashes its full potential, it’s a testament to the band’s collective chemistry. The “rock majesty” they achieve isn’t just about volume or intensity – it’s about the culmination of carefully laid groundwork, paying off the patient listener with a powerful release of energy that feels both surprising and inevitable.

The song represents a bold step forward for Mystery Math, demonstrating how the addition of permanent members has expanded their sonic palette. While their earlier work drew comparisons to late ’90s jazzy post-rock, “This Page Intentionally Left Black” establishes its own identity, suggesting an exciting trajectory for their upcoming EP.

This single serves as compelling evidence that Mystery Math’s evolution from solo project to full band has yielded something greater than the sum of its parts. As they continue their series of single releases leading up to their Summer 2023 EP, “This Page Intentionally Left Black” sets a high bar for what’s to come, proving that sometimes the most powerful statements require no words at all.