The difference, by ear
Prog uses odd metres inside long romantic forms with keyboards and virtuoso solos. Math rock keeps them in short, dry, guitar-only pieces.
Progressive rock is sung cleanly where math rock is mostly instrumental, and swings further either way: 60 to 180 bpm against 100 to 160. Songs run longer in progressive rock: usually 6 to 20 minutes, against 4 to 8 minutes in math rock. To hear the difference, play Slint next to King Crimson. Math rock grew out of progressive rock, twenty years later.
In figures
Math rock
Where it sits
Rock › Progressive rock › Math rock
In short
Odd meters and interlocking riffs assembled like a puzzle, usually without vocals. Post-rock's cerebral cousin.
How it sounds
- Frequently changing odd meters, often with two guitars in different metres at once.
- Clean or lightly overdriven guitars in alternate tunings, with tapping and harmonics.
- Usually instrumental; where there are vocals, they are spoken or whispered.
Key acts
- Slint
- Don Caballero
- Battles
- Toe
Start here
The pickSlint - Spiderland. Six songs that changed independent rock.
Full page →Progressive rock
Where it sits
In short
Rock with classical ambitions: odd meters, twenty-minute suites, mellotron. The direct foundation of progressive metal.
How it sounds
- Odd meters - 7/8, 5/4, 13/8 - used routinely rather than as an effect.
- Mellotron, Hammond organ, Moog and later polyphonic synthesizers.
- Long suites, concept albums, sometimes a single piece per side of vinyl.
Key acts
- King Crimson
- Yes
- Genesis
- Rush
Start here
The pickKing Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King. The first track tells you everything.
Full page →