The Deal: Energetic follow-up to 2006’s self-titled debut.
The Good: From the first notes of “The Nerve,” you realize not much has changed in the MuteMath sound. Singer Paul Meany’s vocals still sound a bit like Sting and the band’s music is fueled by the frenzied drumming of Darren King. That’s not to say they sound much like anyone else. There are hints of an ’80s influence as much as hints of Peter Gabriel, Yes, electronic music and a variety of other pieces and parts. You can even find some string work on “Clipping” and horns on the title track. While the first album’s songs were somewhat toned-down before being charged up in live performances, the 12 tracks here start out with a good bit of energy and rhythm in them that you can only imagine will get blown out on stage. “Spotlight” found a home on the Twilight soundtrack and shows a good bit of the band’s up-tempo abilities. King’s work behind the drumkit is something you have to witness to believe – anyone who tapes his headphones to his head so they won’t go flying off is sure to flail about when needed. You get a sampling of his abilities on the album, especially when fast and frenzied on “Electrify.” They’re able to slow down for something more ballad-like with “No Response” and “Pins and Needles,” the latter of which reminded me of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.”
The Bad: No complaints.
The Verdict: No sophomore slump here. The band will perform at Amos’ Southend on Nov. 7.
This article appears in Sep 8-15, 2009.
