Description
The complete discography from the seminal Milwaukee band Akarso, on vinyl for the very first time. All songs recorded and mixed by Pat Lilley at Nexus Recording Studio in Waukesha Wisconsin between 1998-1999. Songs 1,2, and 4 originally appeared on Parallel Chlorophyll Regions (Highwater Records 005) 1998. Song 3 originally appeared on Akarso/Seven Days of Samsara Split 7” (Ricky Schroeder Fan Club 001) 2000. Songs 5-8 originally appeared on Akarso/Faraquet Split CD (404 Records 002) 1999.
Milwaukee’s underground scene of the late 1990s harbored many hidden gems, and Akarso is certainly one of its finest. Blending elements of post-hardcore, math rock, screamo, and noise rock, the trio quickly made a name for themselves during their short yet intense existence.
Their chaotic and intricate sound earned them a loyal following within math and post-hardcore circles, and they toured extensively, leaving behind a legacy that would influence the Midwest’s underground music scene for years to come. With Leave Quietly: 1997-1999, Akarso’s complete recorded catalog has been unearthed, giving listeners a chance to experience the raw energy and innovative sound of a band that was well ahead of its time. Released through Expert Work Records, this LP collects Akarso’s recorded output from their brief but impactful run. Featuring Nathan Lilley on vocals and guitar (who would later gain notoriety with Call Me Lightning), Joe Wong on drums (now a prolific composer for TV and film and host of The Trap Set), and Greg Roteik on bass (of Key of Evil fame), the trio’s musical chemistry is undeniable. Their dynamic interplay and knack for combining dissonance with technical precision is immediately apparent, and this collection serves as both a time capsule and sheer example of their musical skills.
In the late 90s, Akarso was one of the key players in the Milwaukee scene, operating in a landscape filled with DIY ethos, basement shows, and a tight-knit community of musicians who thrived on experimentation and intensity. The band toured alongside similar-minded acts like Faraquet, with whom they released a split CD, and played shows with bands in both Wisconsin and Missouri, building connections with artists who shared their love for angular rhythms and confrontational soundscapes. Leave Quietly: 1997-1999 captures the rawness of that era. The songs feel unpolished in the best possible way, full of jagged guitar riffs, off-kilter rhythms, and aggressive vocals. It’s easy to hear why Akarso garnered attention during their brief career: their music demanded attention. Tracks from the collection highlight their ability to balance complex structures with visceral energy, reflecting their post-hardcore roots while pushing into more experimental territory. At the heart of Akarso’s sound is their seamless blending of math rock’s technical precision with the ferocity of post-hardcore and
noise rock.
The intricate guitar work of Nathan Lilley, coupled with the driving rhythms of Joe Wong and the powerful basslines of Greg Roteik, creates a tense and unpredictable musical experience. Time signatures shift without warning, dissonant riffs collide with frenetic drumming, and Lilley’s vocals pierce through the chaos with a cathartic and desperate intensity.
Songs like “Wheels Crash Cars” and “A Fishing Monofilament” exemplify this balancing act. The former is a perfect example of Akarso’s ability to build tension, with tightly wound guitar lines unraveling into explosive bursts of noise. The latter showcases their skill in creating complex, interlocking rhythms that feel like they could collapse at any moment but never do, thanks to the precision of Wong’s drumming and Roteik’s sturdy bass foundation. There’s a calculated chaos in these tracks, where each member of the band seems to be pushing the song to its breaking point, yet they always manage to keep things from spiraling completely out of control. While Akarso is often classified as a math rock band, their sound is far from the clean, polished math rock that would come to define the genre in the 2000s.
Instead, Akarso’s music is gritty and abrasive, with a healthy dose of screamo’s emotional intensity. Lilley’s vocals are raw and impassioned, often verging on a scream as he belts out lyrics that speak to frustration, alienation, and existential dread. His vocal delivery adds an element of unpredictability to the band’s already chaotic sound, making each song feel like an emotional outburst held together by sheer force of will. Tracks like “A Steady Runaway Stays Close To Home” and “Furthest End Of The Couch” lean heavily into the screamo side of the band’s sound, with their blistering tempos and searing vocal performances.
These songs feel like they’re teetering on the edge of collapse, with Lilley’s voice pushing the songs into increasingly intense territory while the rest of the band works to maintain the structural integrity of the track. The result is a thrilling, high-stakes listening experience that captures the urgency and emotional depth of Akarso’s music.
Akarso’s willingness to embrace noise and dissonance also sets them apart from other bands in the post-hardcore and math rock scenes. The band’s sound is unapologetically abrasive, with jagged guitar riffs and clashing chords creating a sense of unease throughout the album. This is especially evident in tracks like “Limbless” and “Arm’s Length,” where the band’s experimental tendencies come to the forefront. These songs feel less like math rock compositions and more like exercises in tension and release, with long stretches of dissonance punctuated by brief moments of melody. This willingness to
experiment with noise and structure is one of Akarso’s greatest strengths. While their music is undeniably challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding for those who are willing to engage with it on its own terms.
The band’s refusal to conform to traditional song structures or melodic expectations gives their music a sense of unpredictability and excitement, making Leave Quietly: 1997-1999 an album that demands repeated listens to fully appreciate. The release of Leave Quietly: 1997-1999 gives new life to Akarso’s legacy, offering a window into a band that was ahead of its time in many ways. While they may not have achieved widespread recognition during their initial run, their influence can be felt in the countless math rock, post-hardcore, and noise rock bands that followed in their wake. This collection serves as both a reminder of their talent and a celebration of their contribution to the Milwaukee underground scene. It’s a challenging, chaotic, and emotionally charged album that captures the intensity of Akarso’s live performances and the raw energy of their songwriting. More than two decades later, Akarso’s music remains as vital and relevant as ever, and this collection ensures that their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
1. Wheels Crash Cars
2. A Steady Runaway Stays Close To Home
3. A Fishing Monofilament
4. Parallel Active and Dormant Chlorophyll Regions
5. Limbless
6. Arm’s Length
7. Furthest End of The Couch
8. Leave Quietly
GENRE: Math Rock/Post Punk/Emo
BARCODE: 8944513677781
RELEASE DATE: 14/03/2025
