Midnight Masquerade is the newest album from experimental rock group Snow Nerds. This album is defined by its enticing beats, unique instrumentals, and charming absurdity. Stylistically it occupies an intriguing space between jazz, funk, and post-punk; a space in which dance music can live along side experimental improvisation.
"Snow Nerds has a bright, zippy sound and a warm sense of humor...[they] have an excellent rapport, and Sucher’s knotty melodies leave plenty of room for some excellent improvisation."
-Lee Rice Epstein, freejazzblog.org
At the heart of Snow Nerds is the musical history of saxophonist Ted Taforo and guitarist Jake Sucher. The pair have been writing music and performing together since their days in music school years ago.
In 2017 Snow Nerds released their debut album Gup Life on Orenda Records. While this album served as a fairly unaltered documentation of the band’s live sound, Midnight Masquerade embraces multi-tracked layers of drum samples, synthesizers, and live instruments to create a radiant collage of sound and rhythm. As the album begins, the unsettling mystery of "Temporaria Ch. 1" gives way to the thumping kick and bright melodies of the title track. The album continues on with a variety of textures and feels. From the seductively lazy groove of "Green Dortch", to the twisted euphoria of "Millionaire", to the sensitive instrumental duet "Quit Your Job", listeners are lead on a fantastical journey through sound and emotion.
Overall, Midnight Masquerade serves as a refreshing reminder that serious music can be made while not taking oneself seriously. With audio mastering by David Aguila, artwork by Yoo-Jin Oh, and original music videos by Evan Sucher and Ted Taforo, this album embodies a striking and unique aesthetic.
"This band will have you smiling and scratching your head!”
-Larry Koonse, Jazz Guitarist