When we first latched on to math rock newcomers Challenger Deep back in February, we warned it might not be wise to draw too many conclusions from the band’s debut single, “Immersive,” a track which has since been removed from the group’s Bandcamp account. For all its nifty twists and nimble turns, the song made every attempt to draw the listener in with its appeal to melody and formal structure over technical wizardry, and you had to wonder if this would be a core feature of the band’s aesthetic, or some partial anomaly. As it turns out, our warnings may have been needless, as the foursome’s hyperkinetic new single rockets through a similar trajectory.
“Welcome to the Show” may open with a burst of frantic drums and spastic finger tapping, but it quickly launches into its central groove, a spring-loaded riff with an almost funk-like buoyancy. From there, the group splinters off in a variety of different styles and directions—thundering stop-start dynamics, textured shoegaze-like eruptions, dazzling metallic sprints, and more. All in all, it’s an impressive display of versatility and skill, but what really sticks out is how ecstatically fun it all sounds, not to mention how cohesive. With just two singles, Challenger Deep are still getting their feet under them; imagine what they’ll sound like when they hit full stride.
Challenger Deep will perform tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar alongside Shoegazers (EP Release), Fairshake, the Carolyn, and Raps Moran. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $13. 18+ to enter.
More Info
Bandcamp: challengerdeepdude.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @ChallengerDeepDude
Instagram: @challengerdeepdude