Mute Math - Spotlight EP

Title: Spotlight EP
Artist: Mute Math
Genre: Electronic / Indie Rock
Release Date: 10th February 2009
Label: Teleprompt/Warner Bros.



Album Review

MUTE MATH is a Grammy Award nominated American rock band from New Orleans that formed in 2003. Following the ‘Reset EP’ from 2004 was the self-titled debut in 2006. The album debuted at #17 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart. The recently released ‘Spotlight EP’ is intended as appetizer for the upcoming yet untitled second album.

First it’s like a short orchestral introduction from an old movie scores but then flickering synth atmospheres come in which eventually lead to a castanet section wrapped around a speedy guitar line shortly going into the clinch with a powerful, rough drum beat whilst the clean vocals of Paul Meaney spend some airy melancholy. In case I forgot, the song is called ‘Spotlight’ which re-appears as Son Lux Remix at the end of the EP taking off with a slow, dull heartbeat. The piano and castanets tune in shortly thereafter and adapt to the speed of the heartbeat before drums eventually kick in. The remix is a little more experimental all in all, at times rougher and more edgy. ‘Clockworks’ keeps a fair speed as well but therefore elaborates more on melancholy with its weightless guitar textures and fitting chant. Attention, the song still is extremely catchy and I’m not responsible if you can’t get it out of your head anymore “They won’t stop”. ‘Earlylight’ is as you’ll recognize swiftly, an early version of the title track. A little bit slower and except the “Ahahahaha” it’s a completely instrumental track.

Frankly, I’ve heard nothing about this band before this EP came to my attention but their style is so distinctive, rousing, and captivating that I’m sure to keep an eye out for them. The new yet untitled album is announced for an August 2009 release by the way.


Tracklist