Bozart...

I began to write this entry for today and I realized that this would be the third band in a row that has appeared on the blog this week that is a two piece. Kind of odd, I wonder if there is some sort of subconscious deal going on there where I just wanted to prominently feature duos this week. Doubt it and I know for a fact that I will be breaking that trend come tomorrow, so yeah. Anyway, today’s update is on the great math-rock guitar and drum duo from Minneapolis, Bozart. Formed in 1997, members Derek Oringer and Peter Hawkinson would go on to release a couple mini albums or EP’s (Kurth and Bunge), a three way split with Wicketran and Rogue States, and one full-length called Steel Bridge before they eventually called it quits. At least I assume they called it quits, they just kind of disappeared and it’s been a few years now, so I just assume they aren’t together anymore. That and they no longer have a working website to my knowledge, which is always a good indicator.

Anyway, Bozart’s sound often drifted back and forth between delicate intricately played melodies and more straight forward metallic riffs. The quieter side of Bozart was easily the most impressive, especially once it began to soak in that it was just one guy playing all those crazy notes and odd time changes. It’s pretty impressive stuff definitely making for one of the more underrated math-rock groups of the late 90’s/early 00’s. For those that enjoy their math-rock with a bit of metallic punch or with a bit more melody than I highly recommend you check out some of the tracks below, especially the track “Bunge”. Well worth it.

Kurth:
Bozart – Wieldy [MP3]
Bozart – Kurth [MP3]

Bunge:
Bozart – Moves Through Locked Doors [MP3]
Bozart – Bunge [MP3]

Steel Bridge:
Bozart – Darkest at Night [MP3]

3-Way Split w/Wicketran & Rogue States:
Bozart – Hats at Easter [MP3]

For those interested everything posted above can be purchased from Frenetic Records. If you dig the tunes then by all means pick a couple of these up!