The Meta-Matics - Absence of Rhythm

The Meta-Matics "Absence of Rhythm" from split 7" w/ The Make-Up, 1995.

Released as a split with The Make-Up on Ian Svenonius' Black Gemini label, the far less-popular cacophony on the flip-side always intrigued me. The Meta-Matics were part of a VERY overlooked Washington, D.C. Avant-Punk scene in the mid-90s. Starting with bands like Meltdown, they got the ball rolling for other Embassy House bands who immediately followed them, such as Crom-Tech, Ayler's Angels and The Crainium. The Meta-Matics were essentially a Post-Hardcore/Punk band that incorporated elements of the Free Jazz and No Wave into their sound, clashing with political and nihilistic lyrical themes (anti-authority, consumerism, etc.) that was a post-modern take on the stereotypical lyrical content of classic American Hardcore. Along with peers like The Scissor Girls (Chicago) and Six Finger Satellite (Providence, RI), they were instrumental in spreading these new approaches and influencing subsequent bands. After releasing a split 7" single with The Make-Up and a S/T full-length LP recorded by Guy Picciotto (a split release from Dischord and Slowdime Records) they suddenly vanished. Drummer Malcolm McDuffie started Crom-Tech with Mick Barr. Bassist Frankie Vogl went on to collaborate with Black Eyes and other D.C. free musicians (while sister Raquel Vogl went from Meltdown to the Crainium). Singer Chuck Bettis played in All-Scars as well as doing several projects under his Mass Particles label.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Meta-Matics
• Absence
• of
• Rhythm
• Make-Up
• Dischord
• Slowdime
• Crainium
• Washington
• D.C.
• Math
• Rock

[morganfitzp]

Great band. Thanks for the thorough history too!

[menamark]

thanks - this rules