God Bows to Math are a noise-rock trio from Auckland, formed in mid-2008. The band comprises Martin Phillips on guitar, Sam Cussen on bass, and Tom Morrison on drums. Since their inception, they have been one of the most prolific and hardworking acts on the Auckland underground circuit, building a reputation through relentless touring and a willingness to share stages with bands from across the musical spectrum.
The group quickly established themselves as a formidable live act, completing three national headlining tours and gigging everywhere from house parties to established venues. Their sound draws on post-hardcore influences like Husker Du and Shellac, combining walls of noise with unexpectedly catchy vocal melodies and an unrelenting energy. They received a four-out-of-five star review in Real Groove magazine for their split release with TFF, and were covered by Rip It Up, 95bFM, RadioActive, RDU, Radio One, The Press, and numerous online publications.
Their debut self-titled album was released in November 2011 on Muzai Records — Martin Phillips’s own Auckland label, founded with Benji Jackson in 2009 — followed by an international release through Tenzenmen, a Sydney-based DIY label with a particular focus on underground music from across Asia. A split 7-inch with Shanghai noise-punk duo Pairs arrived in 2013, co-released across four labels: Muzai, Genjing Records (Beijing), Tenzenmen, and Bomb Shop. Their sophomore album Brighter Futures followed in 2015, recorded and mixed by Nick Roughan and mastered by Donnie Miller. The title was described as an ironic stab at both a governing party and life in general, reflecting the band’s sardonic outlook.
Bandcamp
Members
- Sam Cussen (bass, Sherpa, How Get, Long Distance Runner)
- Tom Morrison (drums)
- Martin Phillips (guitar, Nuggiez, Repairs!)
Discography
- The Postures + God Bows To Math Split (2010, Muzai Records) with The Postures
- I Write Witty Slogans for T-Shirts EP (2010, Muzai Records)
- Solar Lights Don’t Work at Night EP (2011, Muzai Records)
- God Bows To Math LP (2011, Muzai Records, Muz125)
- Split 7″ Split (2013, Muzai Records/Genjing Records/Tenzenmen/Bomb Shop) with Pairs
- Brighter Futures LP (2015, Muzai Records, MUZ151LP)