Search - Mute Math :: Reset

"Reset" - A Promising Debut from MuteMath.

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 01/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MuteMath is one of the most original new bands to arrive upon the music scene in recent years. Formed from the ashes of the band Earthsuit, MuteMath displays a diverse range of styles fusing elements of rock, jazz, reggae, electronica and rave into a seamless whole. The band consists of former Earthsuit members Paul Meany on keyboards and vocals and Darren King on drums along with guitarist Greg Hill. Together, they have made a promising mark with their debut EP "Reset".

The disc opens with a high-energy uptempo number entitled "Control" which shows off an obvious U2 influence with its chiming guitars and anthemic choruses.

"Peculiar People" shifts into white-reggae gears and sounds like an outtake from the Police's "Regatta de Blanc". Paul Meany's vocals even have a slight Sting tinge to them. Lyrically, the song is based on Isaiah 40:31 which states 'they that wait upon the Lord shall..fly with wings as eagles'.

"OK" is an uplifting ballad in the style of Delirious. While the lyrics aren't exactly worship-oriented, they do offer a vast amount of comfort and hope and can be encouraging to those going through life's many trials.

The EP's title track is probably the most adventerous of all the ones on this disc. Being totally instrumental, this piece features elements of electronica and rave music and is centered around Darren King's syncopated and processed drumming alongside Paul Meany's atmospheric electric piano chords. All the while, there are various electronic sound effects scattered throughout the track along with samples of the string section heard on Delirious's "Glo In The Dark-part 4" from their "Glo" album. The overall sound of this track is a cross between Moby, Radiohead and The Chemical Brothers.

The dance music element continues in the next track, "Plan B". Once again, King's drumming drives this piece but there are more structured elements here than in the previous track. Meany's vocals sound like a cross between Sting, Bono and Donald Fagen here and the tracks middle section sounds like a meeting of Steely Dan and U2's "Pop"/"Achtung Baby" period.

The closing track "Progress" also has carries a Steely Dan/Police influence with a slight experimental edge to it while the final track "Afterward" is nothing more than a minutes worth of ambient guitar/keyboard atmospherics.

Despite this CD being only 30-minutes long. There is a lot to digest with MuteMath's "Reset". This band definitely does not stick to just one style of music. The eclectic nature of the band and their music makes for a refreshing listening experience. Their sound is very original while showing influences from many great artists before them (mainly the aforementioned Police, Steely Dan and U2) and their lyrics are just plain awesome - full of hope, inspiration and comfort.

If you're looking for something new yet entirely original and innovate, check out "Reset" from MuteMath - an excellent debut from a promising up and coming band.

"

If Sigur Ros made church music...

Rosalie J. Lewis | Lisle, IL | 10/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Call it the thinking man's worship music. Call it the worshipping man's thinking music. Call it groundbreaking, astounding, sensory overload. Call it rock and roll punctuated by deep spiritual longing and a dash of DJ Shadow. Whatever you call it, I love it. And I don't know if it's possible anyone could resist its brilliance. Since there's no way to aptly sum up this EP (it's not even a full album and it's still that good!), here's a play by play of each of the songs and what I think of them. Or what I could think to say about them that wouldn't destroy the ambience and mystery that make each song more rapturous and fascinating than the next.



I really hope you'll do yourself a favor and check out this CD. If you aren't convinced by my review, there are a number of online sources where you can listen to full length songs. And that oughtta do the trick.



CONTROL-Even though I've listened to this song so many times online, I still love it. From the opening chords to the thundrous, majestic chorus, my heart just surges with some powerful emotion that I can't even describe.



PECULIAR PEOPLE-What a catchy, upbeat little tune! I'm just waiting for the day when someone catches me dancing in the elevator because I have this song stuck in my head. I think this should be their next single, because it would do very well at radio.



OK-This song gives me chills. It stops me dead in my tracks. No matter what I'm doing, even if I've sort of tuned out the CD a background noise during a conversation or homework, when this song comes on I have to pay attention. I love the words and everything, but actually the musical backdrop is just as amazing. It just sets the tone for everything else. So delicate, so many layers, and it just feels like I discover something new about it with every listen because there are so many details and samples and sounds to hear. I literally feel like I'm being baptized by the music of this song. (Definitely feeling the Sigur Ros influence!)



RESET-Wow. I am just so impressed at the master musicianship! What an incredible weave of sounds and feelings and textures. The rhythms and samples and just everything about this song scream of otherworldly talent. I could listen to this song all day just trying to absorb its awesomeness.



PLAN B-It's so hard to choose a favorite, but this track really stands out for me. I think it's just the way it rocks out so much, and it's so passionate and driving and the desperation in Paul Meany's voice when he's singing "Mend it all, mend it all"--it just feels so real, so full of faith and anticipation. I can totally relate to the lyrics of this song. Plus, this song gets an extra boost from ex-Earthsuit member Dave Rumsey on guitar, so you gotta love that.



PROGRESS-I love the gentle, atmospheric rush and the slow but steady build up as this song crescendos to its climax. It sort of tricks you into thinking it's all mellow and harmless at the beginning, but then it knocks you off your feet with its utter brilliance and scope. Each time I hear it, I like it more.



AFTERWARD-Yet another amazing (though brief) instrumental that showcases the incredible talents of this band. A great way to close the album, and also a great segueway from Progress into Control if you have the album on continuous replay (like me)!



So get out there and get your copy now. It's almost certainly the best music purchase you will make in 2004."

Great sound...

Steven Woodard | Beaumont, TX, USA | 06/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"They have a full legnth album available via their Myspace page. Also, if you get the chance, see this band live. They have put on one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. I saw them at The Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans and... Just go see them.



1) Control - Happy flowing verses, driving chorus. 5/5

2) Peculiar People - Amazing vocals and keyboard work. 5/5

3) OK - This track kind of seems uneventful after Peculiar People. However, it reminds me of Radiohead. 4/5

4) Reset - Love at first note. 5/5

5) Plan B - Cool drum work, and tight sounding vocals. Also, my favorite guitar work (after Reset of course). 5/5

6) Progress - This is my least favorite track, but when they played it live and it really was moving. 4/5

7) Afterward - Just a keyboard outro. --"