Mute Math
Artists and journalists throw around the word “experimental” with frequency and laziness. If a band doesn’t solidly fit into one particular genre they may be described as such. If their songs tend to be longer than four minutes, or they insert long meandering solos, or demonstrate impressive collections of effect pedals or a willingness to use excessive reverb, they may also be thusly dubbed. “Experimental,” therefore, is an over-used and nearly worn-out descriptive. In the case of Mute Math, however, it is entirely appropriate – maybe even essential.
Former Earthsuit member Paul Meany (keyboards, vocals,) Greg Hill (guitars,) Roy Mitchell-Cardenas (bass) and Darren King (drums, samples,) have created one of the few truly experimental and accessible projects of the last twenty years with the band’s self-titled debut. Before the first note plays, the album sets the stage with amazing packaging. Musically the disc dabbles in off-speed rhythms, layers of digital and analog sounds from a mélange of sources, modally intricate harmonic compositions and startlingly simple and beautiful melodies. At times reminiscent of alternative icons The Police, Radiohead, Zooropa / Pop era U2, Pink Floyd or the indie aesthetic of Ester Drang, and at other times gleefully informed by classic “art rock” such as Alan Parsons Project, 10 CC, Yes or King Crimson, Mute Math is noisy and intimate. It is intricate, and simple. It is melodic and dissonant. In short, it is brilliant.
The band is equally as experimental in both the lyrical and positional aspects of the project as well. Though currently involved in an actual lawsuit with Warner Brothers and their Christian division Word Records over that company’s positioning of Mute Math as a “Christian Band” (the band never intended to be labeled as such, but has been involved with Christian market tours and distribution), the songs on Mute Math point heavenward almost constantly. Though never obvious or blatant (nothing about Mute Math seems to be either,) the songs weave poetic sketches of longing and determination to break through the mess of self and life to find the light behind it all. While the songs are never specifically “Christian,” they are deeply and movingly spiritual, and completely consistent with a Christian worldview.
Songs like the ridiculously catchy-yet-challenging “Chaos,” the aggressive and ambient “Break the Same” or the truly sublime “You Are Mine” couple dense, cascading sounds with Meany’s cerulean-clear vocals and heartbreaking melodies to create a cohesive, yet wildly diverse set of songs. The effect transcends the petty disputes over labels and tag-lines. This is the kind of art that will earn attention, if given the chance, well beyond the underground community of faith. If the chips fall right there is no reason Mute Math might not be the next huge breakout band. Several of the songs are obvious hits – and on the whole this might be the best alternative album released in 2006. [Teleprompt] John J. Thompson
This album review was originally published in the May/June Issue (#119) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version now to read tons more album reviews.
©2006 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
Return to Album Reviews
Comments
By mike
I think the review is right on. The CD is great, regardless of whether it's "Christian" or not. They are truly captivating live, too. I saw them perform at a church (with Matt Kearney) and most people didn't seem to know how to react (or if they should have!) after the less-than-impressive "modern worship" opener. While I love the band and both their albums, the lawsuit is much less positively impressive. Christian stores (like mine) sold at least 17,000 of their CDs, about 60% of the total. We bust our humps and take financial risks to try to sell great CDs from talented artists, and then stuff like this happens. Believe me, a LOT of us have no personal interest in the sub-par artists (and "products") that sell better! The next time you hear your or someone else's mouth spout out something like "There is nothing good from/about Christian bookstores," remember MuteMath and this absurdity. And Switchfoot, POD, et al. Thank you.
By Jamin Vandergriff
I haven't been so excited about a band as Mute Math since...I don't know. Let's just say I'm amped! There have been some great bands with some fresh sounds but Mute Math has got something different and good for now and years to come. Its about time some one brought it like this. When I first picked up their EP, I was impressed with the hooky song writing and ambient style and was impressed with the production as I like to pick at mix quality and such. However I dismissed the technoish sounding drums thinking "thats a little much, how are they going to pull that off live", or maybe I was thinking it was all sampled drums or something. Then I saw them live...ooohhh...What Darren does on a 4 piece kit with one lonely ride cymbal is nothing short of jaw dropping amazing! There is so much interesting sound and theatrics comeing off stage you kind of have to remind yourself to breathe. Mute Math is awesome live! And the discs are that much more enjoyable as you imagine yourself back at the show. There is to much to be said. Just go buy both discs, and then go see them live. You won't be sorry.
By theoryC
This may be the best album as a whole I have ever heard. There is no question that this is the best debut album from any artist in the last decade. As stated above, after you hear them live, you will love the album even more. I myself can hardly listen to "Chaos" without jumping onto my bed during the bridge and playing an air-keytar. Nor can I listen to the breathtaking (literaly breathtaking) ending of "Break the Same" without sitting down and devoting my full attention to it. Once in a while, I'll take [i]Mute Math[/i] out of my CD player and listen to something else. But it won't take more than an hour before I have to put [i]Mute Math[/i] back in, like stepping into an air-conditioned building after sweating under the sun. Buy this album first. Then see them live second. That way, you'll come a little closer to grasping what's happening up on stage. And you'll love the album even more afterwards.
