My days may be numbered, but I’m bad at math. When I feel bad at math I wear my headphones and listen to math rock.

A particularly dense genre, math rock is filled with unconventional time signatures and complex rhythms, though the intertwining melodic phrases holds a listener in place. Culminating during the ‘90s in urban music centers such as Pittsburg, Washington D.C., and L.A., math rock found itself a name through a combination of its atypical meters (for example, 7/8, 11/8, 13/8) and the exploration of sonic textures through layering guitars.

It’s a genre that becomes more rewarding upon repeated listenings. Curious? Come to Milhouse on the 4th for local and touring “mathy” bands.

Four different bands for your enjoyment. We have The Reptilian, who might be a familiar name to you folks. They’re playing more shows later in the week, so keep yourself posted on DIT updates.

As a special treat, Edhochuli travels from the far away land of Pittsburg, after riding the Interstates for about three months. Be sure to familiarize yourself through their bandcamp, as their music is heavy, their singer is intense, and their guitars are loud.

From Chicago we have Ronnie Dobbs have been touring with Edhochuli. Take a look at their bandcamp too, as any band name alluding to the TV show “Mr. Show” deserves it. Ronnie Dobbs employs similar complex rhythms as Edhochuli, but they offer surprises in terms of melody and dynamics. You can find a track titled “Bong Iver” off the link. That wasn’t a typo. Give them a look and a listen.

Lost in Translation is another local Kalamazoo group, and while they fit in the math rock genre, they also provide more groove for the average listener. Three guys who know how to jam well, their fluctuations in rhythm will pull you in. They’ll make your feet move too.

Our days may be numbered, but what better way to spend them than watching math rock musicians. Please bring a few dollars to Milhouse for the touring bands.

Respect the bands, respect the music lovers, and respect yourself. Respect math.