Customer Reviews

MUTEMATH

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It takes a lot for me to describe a band as purely "talented." Even if all the vocals suddenly disappeared from MuteMath's album, they would still be one of the best bands I've ever encountered.

It wasn't until I saw MuteMath live that I realized they were more than just a mere "good" band. Many artists nowadays use recording tactics in which they can't perform on stage. MuteMath has obviously proved this theory wrong, with actually adding in more rhythms and beats than on the original album recording.

MuteMath's first full-length self-titled album offers more than just simple tunes. The first song on the album, "Collapse," is an infectious non-vocal drum rhythm, followed by the second track, "Typical," as a high-energy rock melody.

With the sounds of Jimmy Eat World, The Killers and M83, the band's sporadic and unplanned beats create an amazing piece of art. MuteMath has a sound to satisfy Lovedrug, Anberlin, or Copeland fans.

Instrumental tunes "Obsolete" and "After We Have Left Our Homes" features a unique synthesizer sound like no other, whereas "Chaos," the band's chosen single, wraps around drum and guitar solos.

MuteMath's last two EP releases have instated the band on a national level in addition to their non-traditional ways of reaching fans. Their first album, now dubbed "limited edition" was actually only available on tour--in no means was it in stores or online. That, my friend, is well-deserved creativity with a touch of originality. After the tour, the album was later distributed on a more traditional route.

Longer songs and more intricate sounds are apparent when watching live--the fact that a person watches all the magic come together is why it's so intriguing.

Mute Math have been labelled the New Big Thing, which is a pretty hefty label to carry. Somebody's going to be disappointed, and most bands aren't strong enough to carry the title.

But this solid self-titled debut just might rise above the average, with its solid rockers and knack for good harmonies. This fledgling band expands up the solid guitar pop with extra flourishes and solid melodies -- it's not the most mind-blowing, but it's a solid sound all around.

It kicks off with "Chaos," an infectious little song that is simply crammed with instrumental goodness -- sharp drums, swirling guitars and airy electronica. It's perhaps their catchiest song on here, and good way to get you into their music -- it's a more complex tune than it appears to be at first glance.

It's followed up by a colourful array of different sounds -- this music is almost paradoxical in its complex simplicity and solid subtlety. They dabble in various styles, including epic guitar pop, brief instrumentals, haunting electronica-edged pop, and even some colourful funky-edged pop. They wind down with "Stall Out," a softer song that quietly wraps the album up with an electropop edge.

Mute Math started impressing people with their "Reset EP," and as they gained a following, they started handing out their debut on concerts. You gotta love these boys for that alone. But the cycling complexity of their pop music is an extra reason to enjoy what they turn out on their debut.

At first listen, it sounds a lot like Mute Math is a pretty typical indiepop band. Listen more closely, and hidden rhythms and shimmers of sound will start to emerge under the hooks. They have the swirling (and fuzzy) guitars, solid basslines and similarly solid drumming by Greg Hill, Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas and Darren King respectively. But the sound is upped a notch by vocalist Paul Meany's swirling keyboards, which add an extra dimension to their hidden melodies.

Meany sounds kind of like a harder, hoarser Sting, and he's at his most compelling in the sprawling rocker "Break the Same," where he howls, "The different stars tonight/Will somehow fade the same/And all the tears we cry/Tell us were made the same!" The lyrics need a bit of work, since they tend to be a bit lackluster verbally, even as they rhapsodize on loneliness, collapse and "broken hopes." They become more compelling when you actually hear them.

Mute Math makes a solid debut in their self-titled album, and prove that they are a new band that definitely is worth watching. Keep on rocking, boys.?

I just got this cd and it is amazing. A few of the songs are on the RESET EP (Plan B, Control, Reset). These songs appear to be exactly the same, except maybe remastered. I listened to them in a side-by-side comparison and noticed that the songs from the RESET EP sound much better. The ones on the new album sound compressed a bit more, have less in the lower end and are higher in the midrange.

Has anyone else noticed any difference?

First off, I've had this CD for a long time. The only reason I'm reviewing it now is because I've read the 2 and 3 star reviews and those people don't know what they are talking about. So here we go.

This CD is probably one of the greatest out there (besides Amnesiac or In Rainbows by Radiohead). This band has a fresh sound to them that the music industry has greatly needed for long time.

It starts off with Collapse, an instrumental with Darren King (drummer) going crazy on the snare, accompanied by Paul Meany's (singer, keyboards) backround vocals. Then it goes into Typical (the song they're most known for), with Greg Hill (guitarist) starting it off and then Darren King coming in with a very experimental drum beat, and Roy Mitchell (bassist) with some sweet basslines and Paul Meany's Synths flying around everywhere. People say that "after a good number of listens, 'Typical' becomes typical". Well, I've probably listened to this song over 100 times and it still hasn't gotten old. After Typical comes another instrumental, After We Have Left Our Homes. Then comes Chaos. People have called this song embarassingly poppy. This song is not poppy at all. It is actually one of their most complex and dark songs on the CD. But you have to really listen to realize it. Roy shines in this song with Darren on offbeat drums and heavy effects on the guitars. Then there's Noticed, which people have said is just a major filler. I'll tell you this now: MUTEMATH DOES NOT HAVE FILLERS. This song is very upbeat and quick and it makes you feel good. After that comes Plan B, a song mostly based on the drums and keyboards with some sweet guitar riffs and bass harmonics. The only thing I'm going to say about Stare At The Sun and Obsolete is that they are amazing. But you can see that for yourself. Break The Same is next. This song si one of their best songs they've ever done. BIG drums and bass at the intro and very nice guitars and synths after. Then there's You Are Mine. A downtempo song that has a little jazz feel to it. Then comes Control. This song came as a disappointment to me. Don't get me wrong though, because this is also probably my favorite song by them. But I bought Reset EP before this and it had Control on it. And I listened to it alot. But in MUTMATH, they re-did the song. That part was fine, but its the way they mixed it was what I'm unhappy with. It just doesn't sound as good. But unless you own Reset EP it won't make a difference to you. But it is definitely they're most beautiful song. Picture is a very fast and upbeat song with catchy lyrics, and a very synthetic bass that gives it a nice electronica feel. They wrap up the CD with Stall Out, a slow song with ambient piano and a nice groove once the drums come in. But after its over, there's a 5 1/2 minute instrumental where you hear their true talent if you haven't heard it already while listening to the CD.

I there was a 10 star rating I'd give it that. If you are looking for a fresh new sound, buy this CD.

I saw these guys in Philadelphia on November 3rd. It was one of the best live band performances I have ever seen. What you should so here is buy the album, memorize it, and then try your best to get to a show because their live energy will lift the recordings to a new level. Spend the $13.00! The disc is worth every penny...

this band is unequivocally one that i would recommend across the spectrum of listeners and people who appreciate real music, original sound, and raw talent. seemingly by the grace of God, these guys were able to come up with a sound that refelcts the mood of thier message which is universal and rooted in a deepness that only the human heart can know. it's certainly an album for everybody, i purchased it for my 12 year old nephew, and it has become a hands-down favorite in our own house. the music does satisfy and the show (if you are fortunate enough to have them in your town) is full of energy and entertainment. this band has managed to keep the spotlight without the pretention that some bands exude, and refreshingly enough, have the openness to interact with thier audience without the crassness of your dime-a-dozen "hot" new band characters trying to be this or that. don't count on burn-out, these guys will be around for eternity. listen and love it. mute math won't let you down.

If you have never heard this band... this is the one album you should take the plunge on. Go break your penny jar and put together the measly thirteen bucks that it takes to purchase this collection of new sounds and melodies that you will find hard to box into a single genre. Mutemath is breaking musical barriers and I LOVE IT!

I first heard "Typical" from that Discovery Channel commercial that they were showing and went and researched who it was. I found out it was just some random band that I've never heard of and didn't really care too much. But, I started listening to all the music and decided that this band is definitely one of my new favorites.

I think that this goes to show that more budding bands should put their music on commercials and games like rock band and guitar hero, because they will actually get noticed and more than likely become pretty well known.

This album is tight and I'm looking forward for more music from Mute Math.

Great Album ...I love their "All out style" lots of power and drive !
I was surprised that there are still bands that have something to say with their lyrics.So many bands have sold out to the industry playing CRAP for a buck that it`s scary! Mute Math is not like the typical rock band, they Rock With a message ...sweet!!!!!

These guys are my new favorite band. I knew of Paul Meany (lead singer) from his previous band "EarthSuit" and always thought they were way beyond their time. When I first heard of Mute Math, I didn't think much of them, and kinda ignored them at first. Then I saw their backwards perfomance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. AMAZING! So I looked into their music a little more, and decided to buy the CD. I am so impressed, and it is so great to finally see someone trying to break new ground. I will agree that the lyrics aren't super-deep and chunky, but holy-moly, the BEATS sure are. Their drummer is fantastic. I can't wait to see them live sometime. I also have to say that I very much appreciate their spirituality that comes out in their music. Not in your face, but definitely positive. It's great to see a "christian" band finally break some new ground with their SOUND!

p.s. They're not actually a "Christian Band." They are just Christians who play music together. Just thought I would clear that up, because I don't think they like being labelled that way since it can end up boxing you into a genre you didn't choose.