Headbutt - Definitely!

​Headbutt

​Definitely!
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
​

Being in an instrumental math-rock or prog-rock band demands that the players have to be complete badasses at their instruments. In the case of the Oklahoma two-piece Headbutt comprised of Micah Smith (guitar/bass) and Grant Marshall (drums) they have it covered. Their recent release Definitely! is a nine-song album that showcases not only a lot of technical talent but creative talent as well.

It’s not a surprise when you look at Smith’s background that he kills it on the guitar. He is not only a classically trained guitarist but also teaches as well.

The production isn’t bad but I have to admit that I would have really liked to hear these songs with slightly better recording quality. I don’t want this music to sound like an over produced Top 40 hit but if the aesthetics were closer to say an album by Death From Above 1979 or Lighting Bolt it would have been about perfect.

The two-piece band covers a lot of ground on this album. They display that if you have the talent, drums and bass alone offer a vast range of sonic possibilities. Take for instance the juxtaposition of the opener “My Reflection is Blinking,” which is jarring math-rock versus the ominous and atmospheric “Empty Calories.”

The band’s strongest moments are when they hypnotize you like on “Palindrome.” Around the four-minute-mark you might start twitching from razor sharp accuracy. You might have an aneurysm if you try and dance to this one. Better yet next time you are at a packed dance club, distract the DJ and pop this tune and see what happens. Report back to me on that. 

The only thing I hope to hear from these guys next is more even production. I like the raw feel of the music but if it could be a little more crisp with the drums especially which sounds about demo quality. Overall, these guys rule and I hope to hear more songs soon. 

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