Math rock has made its way to Ann Arbor and California, With Love is its vessel. Started by University of Michigan freshman June Albright, the project has come to fruition under Metal Frat–a co-ed fraternity that doubles as a venue.
“I moved into Metal Frat and met a lot of really talented and passionate musicians,” said Albright. “Specifically, I met my friend Adrien {Fernandez} who shared my taste in music and my drive for writing”
The band was initially a two piece act with Albright and Fernandez, but more instruments were added in order to put on a bigger show for live performances. This meant the addition of Jared Nelson on drums/vocals, and Dallas Fadul on bass/vocals. Each of the members play guitar, allowing for a diverse sound throughout their music.
“Uniquely, for our previous show everyone was swapping instruments because everyone learned different parts at different times as they were written,” said Albright. “It was fun.”
Sonically, California, With Love makes music under the math rock genre. This genre is defined by complex instrumentals as well as odd time signatures. Melodies are often angular and contain unexpected chord progressions, which can be seen in the band’s complex way of playing, as well as many of their influences.
“For years, I’ve wanted to make a project in the math rock genre…For this specific project, my biggest influences are Floral, The Microphones, Broken Social Scene, and Black New Country Road,” said Albright.
While the band has always known their sound, their lyrics are always evolving. Albright focuses on being vulnerable when they write, as well as finding ways to abandon the typical pop form. More than that, the band writes communally, each pitching in to improve each other’s structure.
“Adrian writes the Adrian songs, I write the June songs, sometimes Jared writes Jared songs,” said Albright. “We all pitch in…I’m still developing as a lyricist, I’m still not where I wish I was. I used to write really generic, meaningless lyrics. Now I try to write exactly how I feel.”
In terms of the future, California, With Love is always moving.
“I’m working on finishing our first EP currently, and it will be released sometime before the end of the year,” said Albright “After the EP I have a split lined up with an emo band. I’m always writing new music and I’m always looking to book more shows.”
Keep an eye out for California, With Love wherever you stream music!
