MUTEMATH - Armistice Review

MUTEMATH is not your typical rock band. Their sound is a well-developed fusion of a number of styles including indie rock, reggae, electronica, and new wave. Formed in 2004 and composed of two members of the indescribably inventive Earthsuit, MUTEMATH's sound is a little more organic, but still borrows from the former group's electronic soundscapes.

MUTEMATH has received a deluge of critical praise starting with the 2004 Reset EP. Declared by Alternative Press as "the #1 band you need to see live before you die." Anchored by Darren King, who's a complete madman on the drums and led by Paul Meany's soulful vocals, they've earned a reputation of putting on mind-blowing live shows. There's plenty of experimental electronic instrumentation including Meany's use of the long forgotten keytar. The resulting sound is a fusion that delivers a wide variety of sounds meshed together to form MUTE MATH's recognizable and fully-realized sound.

With Armistice, MUTEMATH set out to "embarrass the first record," according to lead singer Paul Meany. Meany warned in an interview with Morning Call, "Anyone who thinks the first album is perfect will hate this [new] record. If you heard the first record and liked some stuff about it [but] think things could improve, you may like it. It's important for us to change up the formula." And all MUTEMATH fans should take heed. Songs on Armistice range from the stripped down, piano driven "Lost Year" to the fun, indie rock dance-inducing "Spotlight" that was featured on theTwilight Soundtrack.

It took me a while to get passed my nostalgic connection to MUTEMATH's 2006 self-titled album and look at Armistice on its own. The alternative electro-rock sound of the previous album was right down my alley. This time out, some of the tracks venture much further into poppy territory. While, the songs are still very well written and well produced. They are just not what I was expecting. After a week of listens, I feel that I can give a fair review of Armistice without focusing too much on comparisons to their earlier work.

Armistice opens with the high energy rock track "The Nerve". It's tinged with some distorted sounds that give it that MUTEMATH stamp. The mid-tempo "Backfire" is the album's second single and my favorite track. Here, like an homage to Murphy's Law, Meany recounts another "surefire plan that backfired again". The track exudes MUTEMATH's unique sound and has an addictive hook. "Backfire" is also one of the more electronic tracks on an album where the group's sound is expanding greatly.

The dark inner battle heard on "Clipping" has a moody and piano-tinged backing with a bridge highlighting some strings. The lyrics are likely reflective of the strife that marked the band's development of this album. At one point, MUTEMATH had to scrap 16 tracks that were to be used for the follow-up album amidst bickering and arguing within the group. The product is the band's first album where everyone had input.

Meany's warning about the band's new direction is presented in two poppy tracks more than the any others. "Goodbye" is a great, upbeat track, sure to be a crowd pleaser and possibly a Billboard hit if they decide to release it. The same goes for "Electrify", the fastest and most infectious track on the album. MUTEMATH travels somewhat familiar mainstream territory with Meany rap-singing lyrics in a Jason Mraz-esque sort of way. Meany sings of his hopes that the woman he's after might "take me home and lose control." It was nice to hear some human emotions and feelings along side some of the deeper, spiritual, and existential lyrics. After many listens I've warmed up to "Electrify". This uber-pop track could be a highlight of their insanely entertaining live shows.

Still, my favorite tracks are the more subdued and electronic songs like "Odds", "No Response", and the aforementioned "Backfire". They are great listening tracks that I could see myself nodding my head to or reflecting on for years to come. Lastly, if you're like me and prefer their older sound, "Burden" is for you. The first half of the nine-minute closer rides on top of a memorable guitar melody. Meany's urgent vocals are accompanied by a sonically pleasing bridge with some bombastic distorted guitars, a drum section from Darren King, and electronic atmospherics reminiscent of "Break the Same" from the last album. After a brief pause, the track transitions into a mellow section to finish off Armistice.

While I prefer MUTEMATH's older sound I am enjoying the new one as well. For fans, the first listen might be just a bit surprising, but their craftsmanship, creativity, and unique sound can't be denied. Did MUTEMATH embarrass their previous album? In my opinion, I would say no. Did they expand on their sound and possibly increase their chances of reaching a broader audience? Definitely.