MuteMath’s Armistice is classed by fans as less than “Typical”
Posted by The Skyliner on September 2nd, 2009Amy Skaggs
Staff Writer
“Anyone who thinks [our] old album is perfect will hate this [new] record.” These are strong words, spoken by vocalist of MuteMath Paul Meany, in regard to their new album, Armistice, which came out Aug. 18.
This New Orleans-based quartet has had a tight following since their debut in 2006 with their self-titled album. On the band’s Myspace, the genre is described as Other/Other/Other, and there is really no other way to describe their original sound. The tempos can be linked to bands like Mae, Radiohead and Switchfoot combined. And it works for them.
After receiving a spot in Rock Band 2, a Grammy nomination and a Gospel Music Award, this sophomore album has a pretty tough act to follow. Meany said Armistice would be vastly different from their original release, and he was not kidding. This new album flows much more fluidly between songs with more related, although not identical, sounds and rhythms. It is obvious that they are experimenting with brand new concepts and ideas of the direction they want to head in.
However, with the vast divide between the two albums, it leaves fans of “original” MuteMath slightly disappointed. The first album concentrated more towards the slower, chill-rock sounds, while this new one is centered around the upbeat tracks.
Armistice, which means “truce,” is a 12-track album. “Spotlight” was released originally on the movie Twilight’s soundtrack and “Typical” has been receiving a lot of airtime on local Christian radio stations. My personal favorite is “The Nerve,” the first track on the album. Filled with spunk, it is a genuinely fun song to crank up and sing along to.
A major disappointment to the Christian listener is the lack of God-centered lyrics in their new music. Meany has said that he is now a Universalist and is trying to distance himself from the Christian aspects of the first album. After listening to a worship CD with Meany and two other members of MuteMath, I have to say that it is a shame that he now wishes to go in a completely different direction, because Elevator Music (the worship CD that was released in order to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina) is beautiful, captivating and moving. I certainly recommend listening to it.
Armistice, while still moving, is directed to a more secular fan base. The spirituality of it is still evident, even with the change of faith. For new listeners to MuteMath and older fans with open minds, the album is certainly entertaining.
MuteMath’s live shows are quite renowned for being fun and active, so if you enjoy this album, or even if you’re just curious, MuteMath will be performing in Atlanta, Ga. at The Tabernacle on Nov. 6, and on Nov. 7 they will be in Charlotte, N.C. at Amos’ Southend.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 1