10 years is a long time, much can happen or change, both in music and in broader terms.
When 65daysofstatic went on a recording binge in 2003 The Fall Of Math was the result. Written against a backdrop of a post 9/11 world, and our Government joining America to go to war, unsurprisingly against most of the nation's wishes and fuelling much anger, resentment and frustration. Fast forward ten years and The Fall of Math sees it's anniversary release on deluxe CD and Vinyl (for the first time). The propaganda machine that spewed fear, and caused so much mistrust, continues to stick it's nose in all over, so perhaps some things don't change that much at all. Ten years and we still can't trust politicians as far as (we'd love) to throw them.
Back then The Fall of Math was a mould breaking album. 65dos' sensational début is now a highlight in both their own output and also most genres they cut across. Last year however they probably topped it with the incredible Wild Light and in those intervening ten years 65dos have amassed a loyal following and probably improved greatly in their recording and production techniques. However The Fall of Math is a snapshot of brilliance, recorded in four days after day jobs and running late into the night.
So, ten years on where do 65daysofstatic stand in the current musical climate? They must be rolling in cash with all the critically acclaimed releases, tours and diverse projects including soundtrack work, right? Not likely, despite those points being valid, truth is even for an established band like 65dos if you're in it for the cash, disappointment comes in spades. Those ten years have seen physical sales of music decrease further, high street shops and local independent retail ravaged by the economic climate. A generation has emerged of entitlement that scoffs at the suggestion music is to be paid for.
Which is why there is cause to celebrate with this release. Celebrate the fact that 65dos are still in existence while many others have fallen victim to the often unsustainable cost of being a band. Celebrate that 10 years after releasing a defining and hugely influential album they are capable of bettering it. Celebrate that some bands feel passionately about creating music and connecting with audiences live so much that sacrifices are made. Celebrate that hopefully there will be many more years of 65dos continuing to evolve and push boundaries. And mostly celebrate the brilliance of The Fall of Math .
I had various ideas about how to cover the re-issue for the site; my memories of first hearing The Fall of Math, a standard track by track review, that sort of thing. However the former wasn't very interesting to anyone else, and the latter has & will be done many times.
Hopefully I have conveyed just how (not just to me) important an album this is, and that you should buy it. There are many who might not have heard it yet, and those who have tattered and worn original copies. Either way, it's a great opportunity to own something brilliant. The mindset of "owning" physical copies was described perfectly in my recent interview with Paul. Even if the idea of purchasing music is alien to you, download inferior files for free (I'd still prefer you didn't), but spread the word and go to the shows/buy merch.
Whatever it takes, so we can maybe look forward to 65daysofstatic playing the 20th anniversary of FOM and not wondering why another band has bitten the dust while the bland mainstream spews out more mundane rubbish.
For long term fans, there's a bonus disc featuring the 'Hole' EP and b-sides. Even the vinyl comes with a cd as well. It's a time to celebrate the anniversary, but also a chance to reflect on what we often take for granted. That doing this shit for bands can be a struggle, hopefully though it's a struggle with more positives than negatives. As fans we also have problems with living costs increasing continually. Buying music and going to shows can become almost a luxury. Although when the effort is made on both sides, the intensity of the connection between band and audience can be priceless.
The Fall of Math is available through Monotreme Records and 65dos embark on a tour playing select FOM shows and touring Wild Light. See dates on their website here.
