Singer/keyboardist Paul Meany, guitarist Todd Gummerman, bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas, and drummer Darren King translate to the band we know today as MuteMath/Mute Math/MUTEMATH. Together, there’s an unmistakable spark to their music. After three vibrant albums, Mutemath is explosive within reason, and dynamic yet seasoned. Seasoned with spicy Cajun, that is – they write and record in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Mutemath is nothing typical. They take electrifying music at a slow pace to mesmerize the soul with evocative stimulation. And rather than relaying off of extrinsic culture, their focus is innate. Why are they “odd?” What is their selling point? Their vulnerability. With their third studio release and first self-produced effort, Odd Soul, the creative process revolved around sharing up-front stories, showcasing eccentric Christianity, and simply revealing their “odd” roots.
Don’t be scared off! Though lyrical frankness marks the birth of each song, there’s a muted glow before the group hits the spotlight. Odd Soul was Mutemath’s move towards authenticity. It’s round three and they sorta-kinda figured out that they rock the hell out of the live show. So, with that in mind and a Grammy nomination to back them up, this album is a compilation of songs that will energize their live performance. Nothing is dark, nothing is gloomy. High-spirits is the name of the game, yet depth is evident behind it all.
“Everyone has their obsession.” Four years back, mine was the predictable flick, Never Back Down. Amber Heard sensually bites her lip every eight minutes, fighting scenes are badass — it’s lighthearted amusement. Anyway, the hottest scene in movie history: Amber Heard and Sean Faris (Cristiano Ronaldo-plus-Tom Cruise-looking-guy) are playfully boxing in the bedroom when one thing leads to another and she’s mounting him in perfect form. All the while, Mutemath’s “You Are Mine” (above) is playing and I’m sweating/drooling everywhere. Whether you’ve heard this one here or in “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2,” or neither (hopefully), it’s one of many Mutemath songs that will hook your heart.
Next Thursday, September 20, Mutemath is performing here at the Majestic Theatre. Alongside them will be the Cape Town power trio Civil Twilight. As an opening act with a similar alternative feel, they possess sounds comparable to Muse, early U2, and Radiohead. Needless to say, you won’t want to arrive casually late.