Lynx

The compelling songwriting and commanding execution found on the sole, self-titled full-length from Lynx have rightfully made the early-2000s-era Boston quartet cult favorites among math-rock connoisseurs. Much like their forebears like Don Caballero, the band knew when to cut loose, hurtling into a passage of prog-punk whitewater, and when to pull back, leaning into space, atmosphere and quiet oddity. The musicianship here is superb, with bassist Paul Joyce and drummer Dale Connolly providing a plush yet punishing low-end and guitarists Dave Konopka (later of Battles) and Mike Hutchins harnessing both disciplined rigor and splashes of pure texture. Like the best albums in this style, Lynx in turn wallops and soothes, entrances and perplexes.