Fireworks On Ice

By the End of Tonight give us schizophrenic, instrumental math rock with the Fireworks on Ice EP released on Temporary Residence. The opener, "Delirious, Where Have You Been?" cruises all over the map with syncopated rhythms that are aggressive and interesting, while guitars shred and pound out callous-forming riffs, giving a nod to all kinds of metal and experimental punk. There may be a tape pitch on the first track that adds to the disorientation. By the End of Tonight provide many highlights in the 25 minutes of Fireworks on Ice, giving us a thrash that would make Voivod proud, guitar licks that Nels Cline would have to compliment, punk that experimental SST bands would love, and an emo/math rock sound that would make A Minor Forest cry. The only slight criticism would have to be with the piccolo snare of the toddler-size drum kit, which could have been a bit much if Fireworks on Ice were any longer. Within all of the madness, By the End of Tonight manage to pull out melody, much in the same way that math-friendly rockers Weights & Measures seem to perform — rock for emo kids who have ADD. Fireworks on Ice never has a dull moment and leaves us waiting for the next exciting release from By the End of Tonight.