Math rock centres on tightly interlocking guitar parts, difficult time signatures and rhythmic patterns that resist a simple straight-ahead pulse. The style developed in US indie and post-rock circles and became especially visible in the 1990s through bands including Polvo, Chavez, Slint, Don Caballero and June of 44.
The recent IDIOTEQ archive shows how far that rhythmic language has travelled into emo. For Example John moved from Polish math rock toward emo, while Pastel use math-rock detail inside a more openly emotional setting. Navi and Our Wits carry it into emo and post-hardcore.
Instrumental writing remains another strong branch. Comprehending work without vocals, while Yowie push toward dense experimental rock.
