Math the Band
Math the Band is an American synthpunk band based in Providence, Rhode Island, specializing in high-energy, chiptune-influenced electronic rock characterized by glitched-out, chaotic celebration pop with Nintendo-esque synths, rapid tempos exceeding 170 beats per minute, and themes of positivity amid anxiety.[1][2][3] Formed in 2002 by Kevin Steinhauser (vocals, guitar, programming), with his partner Justine Mainville (keyboards, percussion, vocals) joining in 2007 to form the core duo, the band emerged from the DIY music scene as a project blending pop-punk intensity with geeky, video game-inspired sounds influenced by acts like Andrew W.K. and Atom and His Package.[4][2][5][3] Originally a duo, the band expanded to a four-piece in 2017 with the addition of Max Holbrook, Adam Waz, and Matt Zappa, and has continued its prolific output and touring into the 2020s. Over nearly two decades, they have released more than 20 albums, including early works like Don't Worry (2009) and Get Real, while performing over 900 live shows marked by reckless abandon, frequent injuries such as broken bones, and even onstage vomiting by Steinhauser.[1][2][5][6] The band's music emphasizes short, explosive tracks under three minutes, often featuring harried shouting, day-glo guitars, and mosh-pit encouragement, earning them a cult following in underground circuits through extensive U.S. and international touring, including support slots with Andrew W.K..[2][3] Their DIY ethos is evident in self-recorded albums like Get Real, captured at Providence's AS220 venue, and visually chaotic music videos, such as the mutton-busting-themed clip for the title track.[2][7] Math the Band has maintained a prolific output via Bandcamp, fostering a community of fans drawn to their unfiltered, motivational energy that transforms personal anxieties into communal catharsis.[1][5]History
Formation and early years (2002–2006)
Math the Band originated as a solo project founded by Kevin Steinhauser in 2002 in Providence, Rhode Island, where he experimented with electronic music production.[4][1] Steinhauser, drawing from his background in music, was motivated by chiptune sounds and punk aesthetics, creating tracks that blended video game-inspired elements with high-energy electronic experimentation.[8] In the early years, Steinhauser embraced a DIY ethos, self-recording lo-fi demos and releases using basic equipment such as 8-bit video game systems like Game Boys for chiptune effects. His debut release, Robots Will Rise, came out in 2002 as a self-released CD-R, featuring raw, glitchy synths and punk-infused rhythms that captured his initial creative vision. Subsequent solo efforts, such as the 2003 EP Eep! An EP! and album The Lost Levels, continued this approach, emphasizing accessible, home-produced electronic punk without professional studio resources.[9][4][10] Steinhauser began performing live as a one-man act in Providence's underground music scenes, utilizing portable setups to deliver energetic, interactive shows that resonated with local DIY communities. These initial performances helped build a grassroots following among fans of chiptune and experimental electronic music in the area, establishing the project's reputation for chaotic, fun energy before any collaborations.[1][8]Duo period (2007–2017)
In 2007, Justine Mainville joined Kevin Steinhauser as co-vocalist, keyboardist, and performer, marking the band's shift from Steinhauser's solo project to a collaborative duo format that emphasized shared stage antics and multimedia elements.[11] The creative partnership between Steinhauser and Mainville, who were also a couple, fostered a symbiotic dynamic where Steinhauser handled programming, synthesizers, and guitar, while Mainville contributed drums, vocals, and visual flair, resulting in music that blended raw emotion with playful absurdity.[5][12] The duo's output during this era included several key releases that showcased their evolving synth-punk style. Their 2009 album Don't Worry, released on Slanty Shanty Records, clocked in at 24 minutes across nine tracks and highlighted frenetic energy with songs like "Tour de Friends," which captured themes of camaraderie amid chaos, produced using a mix of Casio keyboards, samples, and beat-up drums.[13][5] In 2012, Get Real followed on Team Love Records, featuring 16 tracks mastered by Howie Weinberg and tracks such as "Four to Six," noted for balancing hyperactivity with more restrained, mature production that refined their chiptune influences without losing punk edge.[14][15] Stupid and Weird arrived in 2014 via the band's self-release, incorporating guest vocals from Wheatus on the title track and emphasizing absurd, fast-paced narratives with analog synth layers.[16] The period culminated in 2015's Math the Band the Band the Album, self-produced with Stephen George and featuring hooks in tracks like "Jake Says" and "Didn't Have Time to Think," which explored introspective themes amid explosive instrumentation.[17] Math the Band's live presence exploded during this time, with over 1,000 performances across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom, often in DIY spaces and alongside acts like Andrew W.K. and Japanther.[18][19] Notable appearances included multiple sets at SXSW in 2012, such as at Peelander-Fest and Maggie Mae's, as well as MAGFest, where their high-octane shows—known for physical feats like stage-diving and costume changes—sometimes led to injuries, including broken bones from thrashing.[20][21] Venues like Death by Audio in Brooklyn hosted their chaotic sets, amplifying their reputation for immersive, audience-participatory energy.[22] Media exposure grew, with NPR Music's 2009 Second Stage feature spotlighting the duo's "bonkers" Rhode Island sound and live intensity, positioning them as rising indie voices in the synth-punk scene.[5] This recognition, alongside reviews in outlets like Punknews.org that praised their unapologetic silliness and technical prowess, solidified their cult following and marked a phase of sustained collaborative growth.[13][14]Band expansion and recent activities (2018–present)
In 2017, Justine Mainville departed Math the Band after a decade as co-founder and co-vocalist, marking the end of the duo era and prompting a shift toward a fuller ensemble format.[23] The band recruited guitarist Max Holbrook, bassist Adam Waz, and drummer Matt Zappa in 2018, transforming into a four-piece group that emphasized live instrumentation alongside their signature chiptune and synth elements.[24] This expansion allowed for greater dynamic range in performances, building on the duo's history of high-energy touring while adapting to more collaborative songwriting and stage presence. The expanded lineup debuted their first full-length album as a band, Flange Factory Five, on October 1, 2020, via Bandcamp and streaming platforms.[25] The release was structured as the third installment in a multimedia series, preceded by singles "Wet Cement" on April 20, 2020, and "Duel of the Deer" on July 5, 2020.[26] A remix of "Duel of the Deer," retitled "Duel of the Deer (Matt the Band)," followed on April 1, 2021.[27] The album's concept extended beyond music to include a choose-your-own-adventure novel released in August 2020 and an energy drink in September 2020, with the project emphasizing immersive, interactive storytelling tied to the band's electropunk aesthetic.[24] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live activities, but the band resumed performances with their first post-lockdown show on March 25, 2021, at AS220 in Providence, Rhode Island, streamed online to fans.[28] They continued rebuilding momentum with an appearance at Super MAGFest on January 7, 2023, where they delivered a high-energy set drawing from their expanded catalog.[29] As part of the Flange Factory Five rollout, the band announced a companion Game Boy Color video game in late 2020, intended as the project's fifth element and featuring interactive elements inspired by the album's narrative. However, development delays for quality enhancements pushed back its release; as of early 2021, the team committed to refining the cartridge to meet high standards. As of November 2025, the game remains unreleased.[26][30] Following the 2023 appearance at Super MAGFest, the band has not announced new releases or extensive tours as of November 2025, focusing instead on maintaining their DIY presence through existing catalog distribution. Since the lineup expansion, Math the Band has focused on adapting their frenetic style to the quartet format through selective touring and multimedia experiments, maintaining a DIY ethos amid evolving challenges like venue restrictions and digital distribution.[24]Musical style and influences
Core elements
Math the Band's signature sound fuses electronic and punk elements into primary genres such as synthpunk, chiptune, and nintendocore, with additional influences from dance-punk, indie rock, synth-pop, and pop punk.[8][31][32] Central to their music are high-energy tracks featuring short song durations, often under three minutes, driven by fast-paced rhythms, analog synthesizers, and 8-bit video game sounds that evoke a chaotic yet celebratory vibe.[33][8][31] Programmed drum beats and Nintendo-inspired effects create a thundering cascade of exuberance, blending punk's raw urgency with electronic glee for an infectious, relentless pop onslaught.[31][13] Their live performances amplify this energy through intense, physical delivery—marked by thrashing movements and direct audience participation—often incorporating custom visuals, costumes, and interactive skits to foster a multimedia blur of fun.[5][34] While early releases embraced lo-fi aesthetics to heighten the raw, DIY punk edge, later works feature more polished production with layered synths and mastered clarity, preserving the core high-energy sonic traits refined through extensive touring.[13][17][5]Key influences
Math the Band's sound draws heavily from Kevin Steinhauser's pre-2002 electronic experimentation, where he began producing music using a computer and sequencer at age 12 after being ousted from his high school pop-punk band for unconventional ideas. This solo tinkering with digital tools introduced the synth-heavy, programmed elements that would define the band's approach from its inception.[35] A pivotal influence was the punk act Atom and His Package, with Steinhauser explicitly crediting frontman Adam Goren for pioneering the use of quirky, non-traditional instrumentation in energetic punk tracks, which motivated him to launch Math the Band as a sequencer-driven project.[36] The group's chiptune components stem from video game soundtracks of the Nintendo era, incorporating 8-bit aesthetics via hacked vintage gaming systems and homemade synthesizers to channel the playful, pixelated energy of early digital audio. This draws from the broader chiptune pioneer scene, including acts like 8 Bit Weapon that popularized retro gaming sounds in modern music.[37] Additionally, punk and electronic influences such as Devo informed the band's synth usage and high-energy rhythms, echoing early new wave's blend of electronics with raw punk attitude. The DIY ethos of Providence's punk scene further shaped their trajectory, as the band has self-released albums and performed extensively within the local community for over two decades.[1][38]Band members
Current members
Kevin Steinhauser founded Math the Band in 2002 as a solo project in Providence, Rhode Island, serving as the band's lead vocalist, guitarist, and programmer throughout its history.[24] As the creative core, Steinhauser has written and produced the majority of the band's material, including the conceptual 2020 album Flange Factory Five, where he handled lead vocals, guitar, and programming to drive its chiptune-synthpunk sound.[25] In live performances, he anchors the front of the stage, managing vocals and guitar while incorporating electronic elements via programming for the band's high-energy sets.[26] The band began expanding beyond the duo format in 2014 with additional live members, evolving into a quartet by 2018 after further changes. Max Holbrook joined as guitarist and backing vocalist in 2014, bringing experience from Providence's local music scene, including collaborations in bands like Doll Spirit Vessel.[39] On Flange Factory Five, Holbrook contributed electric guitar and backing vocals, enhancing the album's layered, glitchy textures, and he replicates this role in concerts to build dynamic interplay with Steinhauser.[25] Adam Waz joined in 2017 as bassist and backing vocalist, with a foundation in indie rock projects such as Eric and the Nothing. His bass lines provide the rhythmic drive on Flange Factory Five, supporting the album's fast-paced tracks, and in live setups, he bolsters the low-end groove while adding vocal harmonies.[25][40] Matt Zappa, who rejoined in 2017 after an initial stint in 2016, handles drums and has prior experience in electronic-leaning ensembles through his work with groups like Protean Collective.[41] As the band's drummer on Flange Factory Five, Zappa delivered propulsive rhythms that fused punk energy with synth elements, and his kit setup in tours emphasizes tight, electronic-infused beats to match the group's chaotic live dynamic.[25] This lineup remains active as of November 2025, continuing to perform and evolve the band's sound.[42]Former members
Justine Mainville was a core member of Math the Band from 2007 to 2017, performing on keyboards, vocals, percussion, and drums while contributing to the band's signature high-energy synthpunk sound.[23][43] During this duo era alongside founder Kevin Steinhauser, she co-wrote and appeared on major releases including Get Real (2012), Don't Worry (2009), and No Thing (2013), which solidified the band's chaotic, chiptune-influenced style through collaborative songwriting and dual vocal performances.[11][33][44][45] Her departure in 2017 marked the end of the primary duo configuration, paving the way for the band's expansion.[46] Joe DeGeorge served as keyboardist and saxophonist from 2014 to 2015, adding layered synthesizers and brass elements during the transitional phase from duo to fuller band setup.[47] He contributed to the EP Stupid and Weird (2014), where his saxophone featured prominently on tracks like "The Echo" and "New Year's Eve," and to the debut expanded lineup album Math the Band the Band - The Album (2015), enhancing the production with additional synth textures.[47] Neil King played drums for Math the Band from 2014 to 2017, providing live rhythmic support that bolstered the band's intense touring schedule and evolving sound in the later duo years.[23] His contributions appeared on Math the Band the Band - The Album (2015), where he helped drive the percussion on high-octane tracks, bridging the group's electronic roots with more rock-oriented dynamics during performances.[23]Other former members
Jeff McGowan – bass (2014–2018) Jon Pagano – guitar, synthesizer (2014–2018) Scott Nelson – bass (undated)Former touring members
Zach Burba – drums (2008–2009)Timeline
| Year | Lineup Changes | Associated Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Kevin Steinhauser forms the band as a solo project. | Formation in Providence, Rhode Island.[4] |
| 2007 | Justine Mainville joins on synthesizer, backing vocals, and percussion. | Transition to duo lineup.[23] |
| 2014 | Max Holbrook joins on guitar; Joe DeGeorge joins on keyboard and saxophone; Neil King joins on drums; Jeff McGowan joins on bass; Jon Pagano joins on guitar and synthesizer. | Release of album Stupid and Weird.[48][23] |
| 2015 | Joe DeGeorge leaves. | Release of album Math the Band the Band - The Album.[49][23] |
| 2017 | Justine Mainville and Neil King leave; Adam Waz joins on bass; Matt Zappa rejoins on drums. | Release of EP Now THATS what I call Ragtime.[50][23] |
| 2018 | Jeff McGowan and Jon Pagano leave. | Stabilization of current four-piece lineup.[23] |
| 2018–present | Current lineup: Kevin Steinhauser (guitar, lead vocals), Max Holbrook (guitar), Adam Waz (bass), Matt Zappa (drums). | Release of album Flange Factory Five (2020).[51][25] |
Discography
Studio albums
Math the Band's debut studio album, Don't Worry, was self-released on Slanty Shanty Records in 2009.[52] The album features nine tracks blending chiptune synths with punk energy, capturing the duo's early raw sound during their transition from solo project to collaborative effort. Key tracks include "Hang Out / Hang Ten," which opens with upbeat, surf-inspired hooks, and "Why Didn't You Get a Haircut?," a staple in their live sets known for its catchy, irreverent lyrics. The album received positive reception for its playful chaos. No major commercial charts were reached, but it established their underground following through DIY distribution and Bandcamp availability.[44] Track listing:- Hang Out / Hang Ten
- Why Didn't You Get a Haircut?
- Introducing, the Magic Eye
- The Adventures of Brian Townsend
- Tour de Friends
- The Schmoo (Pt. 1)
- The Schmoo (Pt. 2)
- New Kids
- I Just Want to Have Something to Do[53]
- Positive Stress
- Bad Jokes
- Mission Statement
- I Hope You Die
- Stay Real (Sock It to Me Satan)
- Guts
- Hey Alright
- Down
- Four to Six
- Nahh
- The Schmoo Pt. 3
- You and Me (Are Forgiven)
- The Schmoo Pt. 4
- Rise Up[33]
- January 2008
- BFFU
- Big Deal Human Ear
- Find a Way
- Stupid and Weird (feat. MC Frontalot)
- I Ate the Mold
- Give Me a Break
- The Real Rippers
- Voice
- Hocus Bogus
- Going Back to School Pt. I
- Going Back to School Pt. II
- BFFU (Bonus Peelander-Z Cover)[61]
- All We Are
- Not Gonna Fight
- Jake Says
- Didn't Have Time to Think
- Tour de Friends
- BFFU
- Why Didn't You Get a Haircut
- Take It Off the Hook
- The Schmoo (Pt. 5)
- Rise Up (Reprise)
- Four to Six (Reprise)
- Positive Stress (Reprise)
- Mission Statement (Reprise)
- I Hope You Die (Reprise)
- Stay Real (Reprise)
- Panic Attack Superstar
- Flange Factory One
- Nice One!
- Duel of the Deer
- That Thing You Don't
- Wet Cement
- Chiller Instinct (2015)
- Flange Factory Two
- I Get Sick
- What Do You Think This Is, A Waterpark?
- Wizard Realm Anthem
- Flange Factory Three
- The Schmoo (Pt. 6)
- Rise Up (Reprise II)
- Four to Six (Reprise II)
- Positive Stress (Reprise II)
- Mission Statement (Reprise II)
- I Hope You Die (Reprise II)[65]
Extended plays
Math the Band has released several extended plays throughout their career, primarily during the solo and early duo phases, showcasing experimental chiptune and synthpunk sounds with shorter tracklists than their full-length albums. These EPs often served as creative outlets for thematic or cover material, self-released in limited formats like CD-Rs, digital files, and vinyl.[4] Early in Kevin Steinhauser's solo era, the project debuted with Eep! An EP! in 2003, a self-released CD-R containing 26 short, lo-fi tracks blending punk energy with nascent chiptune elements, marking an initial foray into the band's signature chaotic style.[66] This EP captured raw, DIY production reflective of Providence's underground scene. Later, in 2007, Covers EP followed as a digital download, featuring eight cover songs reinterpreted through the band's electronic lens, including tracks like a chiptune twist on Blink-182's "Darnit," highlighting Steinhauser's playful approach to influences.[67] As the project transitioned to a duo with Ethan McNorm around 2008–2009, EPs became vehicles for live-tour documentation and remixes. Tour de Friends, recorded in 2008 but released in 2009 via self-release, comprised four tracks (totaling about 10 minutes) such as "Hang Out/Hang Ten" and "Almost!," capturing energetic, friendship-themed punk with chiptune flourishes; it was initially held back due to production errors but emerged as a fan-favorite snapshot of the duo's live dynamic.[68] In 2010, Pitchfork - 9.2/10 appeared as a limited 7" vinyl EP, self-released with satirical nods to music criticism, including tracks like "The New Kid" that experimented with faster tempos and humorous lyrics.[69] The duo era culminated in 2012's Best Swishes, Thanks A Dunks!, a CD EP with four tracks including "Four to Six" and a remix of "Tour de Friends," emphasizing polished synth layers and collaborative elements ahead of fuller albums.[70]| Title | Year | Label | Format | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eep! An EP! | 2003 | Self-released | CD-R | 26 |
| Covers EP | 2007 | Self-released | Digital download | 8 |
| Tour de Friends | 2009 | Self-released | Digital | 4 |
| Pitchfork - 9.2/10 | 2010 | Self-released | 7" vinyl | 4 |
| Best Swishes, Thanks A Dunks! | 2012 | Self-released | CD | 4 |
Singles
Math the Band has released several standalone singles throughout their career, often as digital downloads or limited physical formats, serving as promotional tools or non-album tracks. These releases highlight the band's chiptune-synthpunk style and have been distributed primarily through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.[71][72] Early singles include non-album and album-promotional tracks from the duo era. In 2009, they issued "Floppy Disk #1" as a limited floppy disk single containing the instrumental track "Food," marking an experimental format choice.[73] The 2011 single "Four to Six," released on blue 7" vinyl (45 RPM), preceded their album Get Real and featured the title track alongside a B-side.[74][75] In 2013, "January 2008" was released digitally as the lead single from Stupid and Weird, accompanied by a music video.[76] The band's 2020 singles shifted to digital-only formats amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Wet Cement," released on April 20, 2020, served as the lead single for the upcoming album Flange Factory Five and was made available on streaming platforms with an accompanying music video.[77] Followed by "Duel of the Deer" on July 6, 2020, also a digital single tied to Flange Factory Five, this track explored upbeat, wonky synth elements.[78] A remix version, titled "Duel of the Deer (Matt the Band)," was released digitally on April 1, 2021.[79] No new singles were released by Math the Band in 2024 or 2025 as of November 15, 2025.[71][72]| Year | Title | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Floppy Disk #1" | Floppy disk | Non-album instrumental single; limited numbered edition.[73] |
| 2011 | "Four to Six" | 7" vinyl | Lead single for Get Real; B-side included.[74] |
| 2013 | "January 2008" | Digital | Lead single for Stupid and Weird; music video released.[76] |
| 2020 | "Wet Cement" | Digital | Lead single for Flange Factory Five; streaming on Spotify/Apple Music; music video.[77][80] |
| 2020 | "Duel of the Deer" | Digital | From Flange Factory Five; streaming release.[78] |
| 2021 | "Duel of the Deer (Matt the Band)" | Digital | Remix of 2020 single; streaming on Spotify.[81][79] |