The Black Math Experiment

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The Black Math Experiment
The Black Math Experiment: left to right, Bill Curtner, Chris Soliz, Jef With One F, Christi Lain, Captain Mongo Nelson (behind) and Brian Coleman. Photo courtesy Jordan Chan, Evolution Fotos
The Black Math Experiment: left to right, Bill Curtner, Chris Soliz, Jef With One F, Christi Lain, Captain Mongo Nelson (behind) and Brian Coleman. Photo courtesy Jordan Chan, Evolution Fotos
Background information
Origin Houston, Texas U.S.
Genre(s) Alternative rock
Years active 2004 – present
Website The Black Math Experiment website
Members
Bill Curtner
Captain Mongo Nelson
Brian Coleman
Christi Lain
Jef With One F
Former members
Chris Soliz

The Black Math Experiment is a band described as a unique blend of 1980s synth pop and new wave music[1] with similarities to “The B-52's crossed with Berlin, The Dead Milkmen, and Talking Heads.”[2] Based in Houston, Texas in 2004, the band is known for their offbeat pop songs with irreverent or strange lyrics (for example, "Evil Wizard Jesus"). They are known for elaborate live shows that integrate multimedia such as televisions endlessly running odd videos, evangelical-like pamphlets and baptisms, Christmas presents, and a toilet paper cannon, all led by the inexhaustible energy of lead singer Jef With One F (Jef Rouner). Recently, they received notoriety with their song, “You Cannot Kill David Arquette”.

Contents

[edit] History

The Black Math Experiment was founded by Bill Curtner in Houston, Texas in 2004 with Curtner on guitar, Captain Mongo Nelson (Captain Matthew Nelson) on bass guitar, Brian Coleman on drums (2004-), Chris Soliz on keyboards/synthesizers and Jef With One F (Jef Rouner) and Christi Lain singing lead vocals. The band was formed from the remnants of a previous band called Cosmonaut Down with Lain and Jef replacing the previous lead vocalist. The Black Math Experiment debuted at a club called Helios in Houston on December 18, 2004. The following year they put out their debut EP, “What We Do... Is Secret".[3]

The band rose to notoriety with its 2005 release “Fake Words and Signs From Space.” The release featured the sarcastic song “You Cannot Kill David Arquette,” which was inspired by Curtner’s fascination with the resiliency of Arquette’s movie characters. This song led to an informal collaboration with the object of the song and a makeshift Arquette altar at live shows. A second single, “Laugh Track”, became the theme music for the Dial-A-Joke segment on British KidsCastUK.[4] In a review, Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle described the band as a “snappy, sarcastic sextet” “equal parts neo-new wave rock outfit, irreverent comedy troupe and kitschy musical theater act.”[5]

Their next release in November of 2006, “Last Transmission from the Blue Room”, was well-received by critics, seeming “a natural progression for the band.”[6][7] Following the album's completion, Chris Soliz left the group as a full-time member to pursue other projects, but remains an occasional collaborator.

Starting late in 2006, Black Math Experiment songs such as "Ohio" regularly began making the playlists of Houston area alternative rock radio stations like KPFT and KTRU.[8][9][10]

The band is currently on tour in the U.S. and maintains a growing fan club.

[edit] The Black Math Experiment and David Arquette

David Arquette meets the Black Math Experiment; from left, Bill Curtner, Captain Mongo Nelson, Jef With One F, David Arquette, Christi Lain with Brian Coleman behind at wheel of limo. Photo courtesy Lynda Rouner
David Arquette meets the Black Math Experiment; from left, Bill Curtner, Captain Mongo Nelson, Jef With One F, David Arquette, Christi Lain with Brian Coleman behind at wheel of limo. Photo courtesy Lynda Rouner

The band’s 2005 song “You Cannot Kill David Arquette” was commended by its subject, David Arquette, who sent the band a box of gourmet cupcakes in thanks.[11] Since then, Arquette has occasionally promoted the band, including during an interview on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL).[12][13] On March 27, 2007, during a national tour for his film The Tripper, the actor stopped in Houston to promote the band and joined them onstage in a performance.[14][15][16]

[edit] Members

[edit] Current

[edit] Former

[edit] Discography

  • What We Do... Is Secret (E.P.), 2005
  • Fake Words and Signs From Space, 2005
  • Last Transmission from the Blue Room, 2006
  • Live From the Five Minute Hallway, Vol. 1, 2007

[edit] Footnotes and references

  1. ^ Brief review by Houston Chronicle
  2. ^ Review of “Last Transmission from the Blue Room” by David Cobb of Houston Calling
  3. ^ Review of “What We Do... Is Secret" by David Cobb of Houston Calling
  4. ^ KidsCastUK website with playlist including the recurring song “Laugh Track” by The Black Math Experiment for their Dial-A-Joke segment
  5. ^ Review and interview by Joey Guerra of Houston Chronicle
  6. ^ Review of “Last Transmission from the Blue Room” by David Cobb of Houston Calling
  7. ^ Review of “Last Transmission from the Blue Room” by Evan St. John of Austin Sound
  8. ^ Sample Houston music survey for 11-18-06 by Public News Radio puts “Ohio” as #7
  9. ^ Rad Rich on KPFT
  10. ^ “Last Transmission from the Blue Room” debuts at #7 at KTRU on February 25, 2007, beginning a long run in the Top 15
  11. ^ Interview with the band on their song “You Cannot Kill David Arquette” and Arquette on his cupcakes
  12. ^ MTV’s transcript from Total Request Live
  13. ^ Coverage and interview on MTV and David Arquette, with MTV photo
  14. ^ Houston Chronicle account of David Arquette and The Black Math Experiment onstage
  15. ^ Video highlights by David Arquette of his visit with The Black Math Experiment with interview excerpts
  16. ^ Video montage by The Houston Chronicle of David Arquette and The Black Math Experiment onstage with interview excerpts

[edit] External links

Official sites

Other Interviews and Articles