By Chris Nafekh, Staff Writer

Published in print Aug. 27, 2014

New York Pizza was hyped Friday night for local math-rock band Black Squares/White Islands and their first full length album.

The band hosted an engaging night to kick off their east coast tour.  The crowd was thriving; even after an unfortunate water bottle was thrown out of a moving car at an innocent bystander, the crowd kept on, enlivened by punk music on a summer night.

The air was warm, and people filled the bar with laughter and music.  Scrap Randi opened with catchy, female-led punk rock, followed by Xelos Verv’s synth-pop rock.  Black Santa played next, evoking deep, dark emotions from their audience.  And at midnight, Black Squares/White Islands gave their audience a live sample from their new album.

The band has been around Greensboro for some time, but tonight marked a great step forward.  The release of their first full-length album and tour kick-off had the band rather excited.

Black Squares/White Islands has previously released an EP, but they agree unanimously that their first album has seen many creative improvements.

“As we’ve written more and more material, our work has evolved.  It’s more succinct,” commented Mikey Munday, band drummer. “What we’ve found is how to write songs cohesively and effectively.”

Math-rock is known for its technical skills and rhythms and is often played rapidly, which could present obstacles in performance.  The band acknowledged that one of their greatest influences is Battles, an experimental rock group from New York.  But with recording, the band has leaned new strategies to perfect their songwriting.

“This album is dialed back a bit to get across something easier to connect with,” said Jordan McFadden, guitarist. “It’s good to have technical prowess but how you use it and showcase feelings with it is what counts.”

For their self-titled, Black Squares/White Islands recorded eight tracks. The album was produced by Will Stephens of Bit Heart Records, a Greensboro recording studio and record label.  Bit Heart, headed by Stephens and Adam Joyce, has produced with bands such as Black Santa and Jenny Besetzt.

“Will Stephens consistently puts out good albums, and this (Black Squares/White Islands) is one of them,” said Arthur Boudman, drummer for Black Santa.

The tour will be traveling north and Black Squares/White Islands will hit Philadelphia, Brooklyn New York, Rhode Island, Atlantic City, multiple spots in Connecticut and possibly D.C.  Although they’re very excited for their premier tour, they have their fears.

“Not only will it be interesting to play in front of new people, but also to see how we do living with just each other for a week and a half,” commented Munday.

The members have all been friends for a long time, and currently live together.      “We’re going to be in a van, shower-less, and potentially drunk, depending,” speculated McFadden.

As the night ended, friend-of-the-band Boudman remarked “What can I say? I’m proud of my special boys.”

With good friends on the road playing music and sharing a great experience, things sound hopeful for Black Squares/White Islands as they begin their tour up the east coast.

A full length album, a look and a label: this band is truly on their way.