math rock

Three Trapped Tigers are an instrumental noisenik outfit from London who exhibit the precision of electronica, the raw intensity of rock music and the schizophrenic spontaneity of their electro-improv past. Not easily classifiable, but with influences ranging from Aphex Twin and Squarepusher to Lightning Bolt and Battles. The music veers wildly from noisy guitars to contemplative synths, frantic beats to ambient noise.

Shellac (sometimes referred to as 'Shellac of North America') is an <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/american" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">american</a> rock music group formed in <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/chicago" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">chicago</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/illinois" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">illinois</a>, in 1992 by <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Steve+Albini" class="bbcode_artist">Steve Albini</a> (guitar and vocals), <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Bob+Weston" class="bbcode_artist">Bob Weston</a> (bass guitar vocals) and <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Todd+Trainer" class="bbcode_artist">Todd Trainer</a> (drums). They have been classified as <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/post-hardcore" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">post-hardcore</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/noise%20rock" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">noise rock</a> and <a href="http://www.last.fm/tag/math%20rock" class="bbcode_tag" rel="tag">math rock</a>. Albini has claimed they refer to themselves as 'Shellac of North America', "when we're being pretentious."

Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental post-rock/post-metal band from Chicago. The band plays epic, sprawling music which runs the gamut of heavy discordant metal to soft delicate passages. They are also known for their energetic live shows, which include tours with Tool, Red Sparowes, Minus the Bear and Daughters, as well as appearances at the 2006, 2007 & 2008 SXSW festivals. Formed in late 2004 by guitarist Mike Sullivan and bassist Colin DeKuiper (both formerly of another instrumental band Dakota/Dakota), they quickly recruited Dave Turncrantz, formerly of St.