They Walk Among You
Propeller, 2024
10/10
New Math were definitely ahead of their time when this EP was released in 1981, and in this remastered and expanded reissue treats us to 6 bonus tracks that exemplify their post-punk and Goth filled ways.
The title track starts with crisp drums and rich synth that suits the dark climate of raw, post-punk that might bring to mind Joy Division or The Cramps, and “Garden Of Delight” follows with a brighter appeal, as a swirling climate radiates a nostalgic energy that bursts into a speedy tune.
Deeper into the original EP, “Invocation” offers a haze via Chris Yockel’s thick guitar amid Gary Trainer’s strategic bass, while “American Survival” is a scrappy and almost pop tinted EP closer that makes great use of Kevin Patrick’s distinct singing.
Of the 3 studio outtakes, “Dead Of Night” allows for Mark Schwarz’s animated synth to shine alongside the thumping drums and mesmerizing guitar, and, of the live selections, “Second Language” pounds hard before finding more melodic gestures, where the sound quality is excellent and the songwriting timeless (this was recorded in 1983.
New Math were one of upstate New York’s first punks, and were active from the late ‘70s until 1984, when they changed their name to Jet Black Berries. They released a fairly limited amount of records, and this reissue resurrects a magic that will appeal to fans of The Damned, Psychedelic Furs or The Dandy Warhols.
Travels well with: Apothek- Apothek; Highasakite- In And Out Of Weeks