New album 'poppy', but fun

The popular music industry continues to be the petri dish that produces a mass of moldy mediocrity, but there are some worthwhile acts that go undetected under the microscope.

Among these acts is Math and Science, whose self-titled debut album on Brick Red Records will hit stores March 6.

"Math and Science is a marriage of Toys R Us to Radio Shack. The BBC to American sitcoms. It's overachieving low-fi," said Los Angeles musician John Wolf, who is the creator/singer/songwriter/instrumentalist/visionary – well, John Wolf is Math and Science. The entire album is his brainchild, though he had some help from friends.

The album has twelve tracks, each of which comes equipped with a catchy hook, fresh instrumentation and a good pop sensibility that is not meant to be taken too seriously. Although a small handful of the tracks are nauseatingly "pop-ish," the album holds plenty of gems.

The song "Words" starts with a chord progression on a reverberating keyboard. Then layer upon layer of sound is laid over the track: A drum beat, thick bass line, acoustic and wah-wah guitar, synthesized sound effects, a vocal loop. The instrumentation weaves in and out under the melodic vocals, reminiscent of Elliot Smith if he were on Prozac.

Many of the songs on Math and Science follow this formula – a simple chord progression with countless layers of multi-textured instruments. And as far as pop formulas go, this one is a winner.

"She Left Me" is a melancholic tune about, as the title suggests, love lost. Acoustic guitar and piano flow beautifully above a steady drumbeat as the sad bass line reluctantly bounces along with Wolf's lament, "And I'd do anything / to never feel this way again."

Although this song is depressing, the album's tone is lightened with jingling pop tunes. Songs like "Naked" and "In Your Movie" stick in your head days after listening. Those tunes' manic swing and infectious groove are often hard to resist, but they are still easy listening.

While the words "pop music" may make many music lovers cringe, Math and Science provides an album that makes pop seem fun again.

Looking for a record that transcends the mediocrity of the ready-made bubble gum that is so popular? Lend an ear to Math and Science.

- Jay Boehmer

3 1/2 out of 5 stars.