Kansas City: it’s one of those places where you can lift up a rock and an infestation of math rock bands are revealed. Yes, KC has a vibrant math rock history, dating back to the 90’s with bands like Shiner, Quitter’s Club, Stella Link, Boys Life and Season To Risk. Their successors are the likes of Via Luna, HMPH! and, under the current spotlight, Le Grand.

Until now, Le Grand were somewhat of a local phenomenon. The quartet play plenty of live shows, but have only released a one-off track ‘Matthew (Emi Noore)‘ in 2017. Cut to right now where, following a string of videos that garnered anticipation, the band have announced their debut Plastic Jazz. Live versions from the album’s tracklist have been met with abundant acclaim. Now it’s time to hear the real goods.

‘Button Mashing’ is the first slice of pizza on offer from Plastic Jazz. The album opener is the perfect mix of chill-bro funky guitar riffery and zany mercurial math rock madness. It’s the sweetest fruit in the bowl, but it’s also the densest and pithiest. One thing is for sure: it’s going to take you months to memorise this one front to back.

‘Plastic Jazz’ is out on May 3rd. But, have no fear, pre-orders are now up and running via the Le Grand’s Bandcamp page. You know where to throw dem dollars…