Hurtmold: Sao Paulo

Ever since I finally saw Hurtmold in their Sao Paulo hometown after countless recommendations from friends, I can’t get their new eponymous album (on a great indie label called Submarine) off my daily listening playlist. This seasoned band’s got their math rock on lock with fine grooves punctuated by glistening shots of xylophone, topped off with mounting layers of clarinet and keyboard like on a cake. The show I checked out was packed with elated fans standing in place, shaking their heads to the rhythm "” and lots of it, really, because Hurtmold make percussion their best friend. It takes six members to create their wall of sound. Of these six, Mauricio Takara is the biggest name among them, a super-productive guy who also has his own solo project going on. As Hurtmold, though, the band have half a dozen good, solid albums out already and play live often. Rock out to them here.