D. Rider

Former U.S. Maple guitarist Todd Rittmann strikes a bewildering yet captivating tone with D.Rider, whose unique amalgam of makeshift sonic experimentation and haunting post-punk grit is dark and endearing. Nuzzling pop forms, the songs on Mother of Curses got their start as rhythm tracks, with Rittmann pounding out foreboding beats on a stripped down kit featuring no toms. Primitive in one sense, the technological collage of sound surrounding these martial snare-kick-cymbal patterns is dizzying. Similar to Shellac or June of '44, D.Rider caresses the ugly in rock'n'roll conventionalism, deconstructing Zeppelin's bombast with bitter-sounding guitars punching out melodious riffs, and an apparent indifference for engagement. "Arranged Marriage to No Toms" sincerely begins with magic markers on paper squeaking out a pattern before Rittman's generally monotonous voice rises like Martin Tielli, guiding the song forward. It's a recurring trend on Mother of Curses, a bold chunk of understatement by D.Rider, built for mannish music nerds.