In high school my friends and I used to joke about pioneering the genre “science-rock.” We covered the Bill Nye the Science Guy theme song in our short-lived band, Igneous Rocks! However, I have to tip my hat to the first real science-rock I’ve heard: When Particles Collide, a rock ‘n roll duo from Bangor, Maine consisting of Sasha Alcott and Chris Viner
First equation: punk-rock high school chemistry teacher + long time jazz performer = [the perfect television show (Breaking Bad combined with School of Rock) X Pixies rockability]. With lines such as, “Grams contain avogadro’s number ya heard? That’s 6012 X × 10^23!” I picture myself in the coolest chemistry class of my life. If I had a rock and roll star as my chem teacher in high school I think I would be on my way to a science degree right now.
The duo strays away from science after the first song in their 6-song album and focuses on their obvious rock and roll roots. Listening closely I get vibes from all over the rock spectrum from Rush to the White Stripes to moments that they can call all their own. As a jazz-rooted drummer, Chris is able to add a unique spin of complex, flowing beats to compliment Sasha’s lively and melodic vocals.
Sure to be a great performance to witness (and sure to make you recall all those formulas you forgot since high school) make sure to catch them at a local bar in Bangor. If you won’t be up there any time soon, stream their 6-song EP here.
–Mike Giordano