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Other Factors is a New York rock outfit drawing inspiration from late-70s post-punk and 90s lo-fi rock. Their heavily distorted and reverbed vocals, along with generous vocal harmonies and powerful rock arrangements, create their defining sound.

Formerly called Mercies, Other Factors changed the group name in July with an announcement on their Facebook page that emphatically stated “We are Other Factors. Deal with it.” Gotta love these guys.

To go along with their new moniker, the group released a new sampler called Spaces/Decade. If you’re looking to get a glimpse into what it is exactly that this band does, look no further. This is quintessential Other Factors, right here.

“Spaces” starts out with bludgeoning drums and then flighty guitar picking. After a few rounds, we hit our first, then second vocal harmonies. Now come the intricate vocals, distorted beyond comprehension, but still enjoyable. The song takes a rest for a moment, allowing the listener to catch their breath just in time to be assaulted with a fast and complex jam and one last vocal harmony to end it.

“Decade” begins with a fun guitar riff and bass line, along with vocals reminiscent of an OK Go track. After a few rounds of the fun, the breakdown begins. First building slowly, the electric guitar rings out, followed by the plodding beat of drums, then bass. At this point the vocals come in and all Hell breaks loose. This builds to a crescendo that ends powerfully and abruptly.

These two tracks alone demonstrate the band’s growth as they’ve really come into their own with this new name, while retaining the style that so well defines them. Other Factors recently played their first SXSW and are currently touring around the New England area. Look for them at the BAR nightclub in New Haven, CT on August 29.

If, incidentally, you’re so inclined, visit their BandCamp page to download a copy of Spaces/Decade. Better yet, throw a couple of bucks their way by naming your own price.