Congratulations! You're reading the We Used to Cut the Grass EPK.
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Congratulations! You're reading the We Used to Cut the Grass EPK. 〰️
We Used to Cut the Grass is a shapeshifting experimental ensemble from New Jersey led by composer/bassist Cody McCorry, appearing as large as a 10-piece band with heavy brass and two tightly synchronized drum kits, while touring frequently with smaller, more dynamic lineups. Heavily inspired by the likes of Frank Zappa, John Zorn and The Bad Plus, the band has roots in the blurred zone between progressive rock, math rock and jazz fusion, but has since stretched further into post-rock and experimental endeavors, reaching from orchestral/chamber works to absurdist sound collage.
The group’s sophomore album, “We Used to Cut the Grass #2,” the follow up to their similarly self-titled album released in 2022, simultaneously made waves in the jazz, prog and math rock scenes, affirming the band’s unorthodox approach to composition. The album made it into Arctic Drones’ top 20 best jazz fusion albums of 2025, who described it as “a beautiful mess you didn’t know you needed.” It has been further described by math rock periodical Fecking Bahamas as “a much needed joyride,” and was later ranked #2 in their top 75 math rock albums of 2025. On the album and its composer, Prog Critique has this to say: “I don’t know if he’s a genius or a brilliant madman... [the album] surprises, it disorients, as much as it captivates... have we ever seen a band cover such a rich palette?” All About Jazz followed up with “McCorry thrives on contrast... it is a kaleidoscopic statement that re-imagines what a jazz fusion record can encompass.”
Opening with a full orchestra, immediately pivoting to large ensemble jazz fusion and just few tracks later debasing itself with a fake podcast advertisement and an inane vocal-driven rock song nonsensically praising Buffalo Wild Wings, the record explores wildly different approaches in composition, from meticulously crafted arrangements to live in-studio band recordings, presenting “serious” music while never once taking itself very seriously. The album was recorded over the course of three years with Karmic Juggernaut bandleader and producer James McCaffrey at a shared DIY space called The Hangar, with the opening track having been recorded by the Sofia Session Orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria and the two closing tracks by Steve Jankowski in Belmar, New Jersey at Jankland Studios.
“We Used to Cut the Grass #2” was recorded & released independently on vinyl, CD and streaming via the band’s fake record label/post-apocalyptic radio station WKRM the Kream. It is available for purchase via the band’s merch store weusedtocutthegrass.bigcartel.com, as well as weusedtocutthegrass.bandcamp.com, and is also available through distributors waysidemusic.com and thebandwagonusa.com. Their first album can be purchased through the same outlets, as well as from Needlejuice Records.
