Pretend are a Southern Californian math rock quartet who effortlessly blend complicated arrangements with smooth, sentimental vocals. Their music is highly technical and emotional without being aggressive or punishing, and they make jagged rhythms seem dreamy and accessible. The band's debut album, Bones in the Soil, Rust in the Oil, was self-released in 2009, with a second pressing (including different artwork and a modified track list) issued by Shelsmusic in 2010. In 2015, Topshelf Records signed Pretend and issued their vinyl debut, the double LP Tapestry'd Life. ~ Paul Simpson