STANDARDS

The duo Standards from Los Angeles demonstrates that with just a drummer and a guitarist, you can experience a full musical journey. Guitarist Marcos Mena and drummer Moises Popa create progressive mathrock that undoubtedly appeals to fans of Covet, Polyphia, Plini, Jakub Zytecki, Ichika Nito, Chon, Mike Dawes, Elephant Gym, and similar free spirits. These two virtuosos use their instruments in a highly innovative manner, without it solely being about musical prowess. Marcos often plays his guitar as if it were a percussion instrument (with unparalleled two-handed tapping parts), while Moises drives the rhythm energetically. Don't blink during this concert, or you might miss out on a lot of excitement. Guitar World succinctly captured the duo's secret in a headline: "How Standards’ Marcos Mena is making shred guitar danceable: 'The important thing is writing the hook first, then working in the other techniques.'"