Victims of the new math - Set Theory Infinity

​Victims of the New Math

Set Theory Infinity
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Victims of the New Math are two brothers - Thomas and Joe Young. They have been playing music on and off since the ’80s. They released Set Theory Infinity ten years ago and just released Satellite Head. They play straight forward songs sculpted from classic rock/pop acts. Most of their influences are unsurprisingly from when they grew up. I doubt this album will change your life but there are some well written songs on here. 

The recording quality isn’t exactly professional quality and varies from song to song. Nothing was too egregious in terms of production but they are things that a pro studio would have provided that would have helped some of the delivery.

They open with “Brand New Day” which is classic American rock. The song is catchy, benefits from horns and is one of the better produced songs on the album. I thought the song was begging for drums but maybe that's just me. Overall, it's a great opener.

“Not Apparent to Me” also has some fine moments and catchy melodies. The distortion is a little too harsh at times but the song still works. One of the highlights is “Satellite Head” which takes advantage of modulation and is somewhere between Bowie and The Flaming Lips. He sings, “And now I’m running out of time / Can’t turn your water into wine / I’m sending signals from my satellite head.”

Whoever is singing on “Reason To Be” goes a little outside a comfortable singing range at times. “I Think I'm in Love” is a tender, sweet love song while “Another Day” is a certifiable highlight with memorable melodies. 

I don’t think the Young brothers are looking to make the big time with these songs. It seems like they are having a good time making these songs and it comes across in the music. Satellite Head is far from perfect but there is some solid songwriting and inspired moments here.

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