Real Numbers

Wordless Wonder is the long awaited full length from Real Numbers. It follows up a pair of 12" EPs on Three Dimensional Records, a single on Florida's Dying, and recent appearances on cassettes from Forged Artifacts and No Problem. Tenderly crafted by Matt Castore at his St. Paul, MN studio A Harder Commune from late 2015 to early 2016, it is presented on Slumberland Records for your enjoyment.

Members of the band include Eli Hansen (Cozy, Boys Club, Retainers) on vocals and guitars, John Eggerman (Cozy, Private Interests, Mystery Date) on bass, and James Blackfield (France Camp, Nice Purse) on drums. The addition of full time lead guitar player Ian Nygaard (Nice Purse, Howler) reveals a much fuller sound while maintaining the band's trademark DIY simplicity. As for the songs…

The three chords of "Falling Out" sparkle with layered melodies reinforcing the poignant tale of an embarrassed boy having to explain to his parents why he fell out of a car. Other contemplative topics include the Television Personalities' fall from John Peel's good graces ("Frank Infatuation"), 60's biker flicks ("Just So Far Away") and a Welshman's infidelity ("Only Two Can Play"). Throughout the album, happy harmonies intermingle with sadness-laced larks. The title track, an introspective meta-composition about the frustrations of lyrical penmanship, rewards the astute listener with light pleasantries.

Tracking was a layered affair with a focus on guitars. "We wanted something different than previous releases which had a very 'live' production," explains Eli. This was accomplished by doubling most rhythm tracks, stacking leads and - on a few songs - adding a 12-string acoustic, Eli's "new favorite instrument." Continuing their flirtations with keys (see the solo on 2013's "Ordeal") Matt Castore's wind organ closes side one, while Eli's childhood Casio SK-1 adds depth to the side two closer "This Happy Sadness" - a song simultaneously about a mix-tape, failing relationships, and Matt Haynes' pre-Sarah fanzine "Are You Scared To Get Happy."

Real Numbers made their debut East coast rounds last summer and are planning a return trip in September. Previous jaunts have consisted of Gonerfest (2011), SXSW (2013), UK/Europe (2010 & 2011) and Japan (2013 & 2014). An Australian tour in 2013 yielded such tremendous opportunities as lawn bowling with The Stevens, performing live on FBI Radio, crashing at Gooch Manor, and having Shorty and Joe from Royal Headache fill in on drums and guitar.

"Working in concert with Slumberland, this Twin Cities quartet is doing more than refashioning thirty year-old material, they are reminding us of the importance in creating new voices for independent music." -imposemagazine.com

"Real Numbers, out of Minneapolis, make a tuneful three-guitar racket that punches up wistful indie pop romanticism with post-punk friction." -blurtonline.com

"The guitar melodies are beautiful, with a poppy and jangly sound. The vocals aren’t too forward and often reminiscent of the early twee days. The percussion is dead on and every hit feels meaningful. The music, quite appropriately, lacks anything too intricate while still sending out a series of chords that sound interesting if not at least catchy." -survivingthegoldenage.com

Past Shows


Sep
24
th
2022
7th St Entry
Sep
24
th
2022
7th St Entry

Quivers

with Real Numbers and Working
Nov
5
th
2019
7th St Entry
Nov
5
th
2019
7th St Entry

Lisa Prank

with Kitten Forever and Real Numbers
Mar
27
th
2018
7th St Entry
Mar
27
th
2018
7th St Entry

Shopping

with Real Numbers and Products Band
Sep
3
rd
2017
Turf Club
Sep
3
rd
2017
Turf Club

Beverly and EZTV

with ROYAL BRAT and Real Numbers
Aug
2
nd
2017
7th St Entry
Aug
2
nd
2017
7th St Entry

Real Numbers

with FINESSE, Loud Sun and bathtub cig
Jun
17
th
2017
7th St Entry
Jun
17
th
2017
7th St Entry

Meatbodies

with Real Numbers and The Coax
Apr
15
th
2017
7th St Entry
Apr
15
th
2017
7th St Entry

NE-HI

with Real Numbers and FINESSE
Dec
29
th
2016
7th St Entry
Dec
29
th
2016
7th St Entry
Nov
27
th
2016
7th St Entry
Nov
27
th
2016
7th St Entry

Real Numbers

with Teenage Moods, UNIVERSEL and DJ SHAWN REED
Sep
3
rd
2016
Turf Club
Sep
3
rd
2016
Turf Club

Real Numbers and Heaters

with France Camp and the Cult of Lip
Aug
5
th
2016
7th St Entry
Aug
5
th
2016
7th St Entry

Mark Sultan

with Bug Fix and Real Numbers
Nov
22
nd
2015
7th St Entry
Nov
22
nd
2015
7th St Entry

Wildhoney

with Waveless and Real Numbers
Nov
2
nd
2015
7th St Entry
Nov
2
nd
2015
7th St Entry

Claps

with Oaks, Real Numbers and Pale Spectre
Aug
13
th
2015
7th St Entry
Aug
13
th
2015
7th St Entry

NANCY'S RAYGUN

with Rupert Angeleyes and Real Numbers
Apr
8
th
2015
7th St Entry
Apr
8
th
2015
7th St Entry

Twerps

with Real Numbers, Larry Wish & His Guys and DJ SHAWN REED
Sep
11
th
2014
Turf Club
Sep
11
th
2014
Turf Club

The Gooch Palms

with FRANKIE TEARDROP (Solo), Real Numbers and BIG GIRL
Dec
15
th
2013
7th St Entry
Dec
15
th
2013
7th St Entry

Monica LaPlante

with Real Numbers and Hot Freaks
Mar
1
st
2010
7th St Entry
Mar
1
st
2010
7th St Entry

SO COW (Ireland)

with PRGRPHS and Real Numbers

More Shows

Jul
29
th
Turf Club

Exciter and Midnight

with Wraith and Hellwitch
Jun
18
th
Turf Club

Nourished By Time

with urika's bedroom
Jun
28
th
Turf Club

The Koffin Kats

Jun
8
th
Turf Club

Arcwelder

with Products Band