math rock
what it is
Math rock is a subgenre of rock music characterized by complex, atypical rhythms (often including irregular stopping and starting), frequent use of irregular time-signatures, and dissonant, angular guitars. Math rock gained popularity in the mid to late 90s, when groups like Polvo and Chavez had small but dedicated followings among indie and noise rock fans on college campuses. The peak of this genre came in two waves, one in the mid- 90s, and one in the dawn of the modern internet, in the mid to late 2000s.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make math rock a playlist
turn these 36 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is math rock?
Math rock is a subgenre of rock music characterized by complex, atypical rhythms (often including irregular stopping and starting), frequent use of irregular time-signatures, and dissonant, angular guitars. Math rock gained popularity in the mid to late 90s, when groups like Polvo and Chavez had small but dedicated followings among indie and noise rock fans on college campuses. The peak of this genre came in two waves, one in the mid- 90s, and one in the dawn of the modern internet, in the mid to late 2000s.
What are good math rock albums to start with?
Try American Football by American Football, Hold Your Horse Is by Hella, Schlagenheim by black midi, and Today's Active Lifestyles by Polvo.
Who are some women making math rock?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/math-rock/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making math rock, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20