New LP from Victims of the New Math

For some artists, making music isn’t a phase or a pursuit, but a constant and Victims of the New Math, the long-running project of Thomas Young, sits firmly in that space. Operating as a one-man band handling vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and drums, Thomas has spent more than two decades quietly creating a sound that began as a shared venture with his brother Joe but has since developed into a solo creative outlet that continues to move in its own direction.

The origins of the project trace back to a simple intention to capture the spirit of the AM rock sounds that soundtracked their childhood. Since his teenage years in the late 1980s, Thomas has been writing consistently, building a catalogue that’s grown steadily since he began officially releasing music in 2006.

Across that time, Victims of the New Math has never settled into a single genre by moving between styles, pulling in elements of glam rock, new wave, psychedelic rock, indie and lo-fi, shaping them into something new. Leaning into vintage textures and riff-driven structures while maintaining a lo-fi immediacy, he strikes a tone that’s equally accessible and original. Now, that approach continues to define his latest release, his brand new full-length record titled The Stories That You Weave.

Self-recorded and produced, the twelve-track album feels like a natural extension of everything that’s come before, while still venturing into new sonic sphere. Thematically, the album turns its attention to themes that at once both personal and widely relatable, touching on the fragile nature of fame, the complexities of love and loss, and the challenge of maintaining a sense of optimism in an increasingly difficult world.

Kicked off by the fuzz of flangey guitar chords on instrumental intro piece “The Run Up,” the album flows with “You’re A Star” where steady drums, hazy guitar tones and expressive vocals combine to serve up a catchy power pop-tinged jam. “Only in My Dreams” rolls with bouncy rhythm and bright vocal leads spinning memorable melodic lines as misty instrumental textures form an immersive arrangement below.

“Be What You Want” glides with smooth rhythmic sway as the blend of metallic guitar timbres and airy synth tones forms a dreamy backdrop for Thomas’ laid back vocals to float above. With “Time Flies,” he casts a delicate moment of mellow pop rock that progresses with acoustic guitar chords, soft percussion and intricate leads as his soothing vocals hover above the psych-inflected soundscape.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “It’s You That Wanted More” with its lively energy and impassioned vocals carrying angsty lyricism. “Every Day Is Saturday” arrives with the plucks of bright guitar notes before slipping into a gentle jam of breezy vocal melodies, pattering percussion and heartfelt songwriting, offering a truly charming moment on the album.

“Packing List” brings warm guitar chords and sharp, processed vocals to serve up a catchy outing brimming with retro pop rock vibes, marching rhythmic energy and biting lead guitar work. Closing the album with “Return to the Universe,” soft guitar chords and bass notes are met by atmospheric leads before Thomas’ intimate vocals enter to craft an alluring finale to Victims of the New Math’s superb new record.

Listen to The Stories That You Weave below