Full Review: MUTEMATH – Armistice
It now seems clearer to me that the MUTEMATH of the past, the one that put out their self-titled debut, was a fly by night, rely on creativity, type of group. ‘Armistice’, however, is well thought out with something clearly different about it from the moment that “The Nerve” starts. While all the same elements are in place, such as the wild instrumentation and overly complex arrangements, ‘Armistice’ is just more mature than the previous record in almost every way.
Racing during the chorus and pulling back to an almost stall out pace, “Backfire” is one of the slicker tracks giving those mainstream radio types something to chew on. “Clipping”, on the other hand, reaches far into the experimental pool with its use of heavy distortion that doesn’t belong to the guitar. Despite the thick static which gets inside your head, the song produces an attractive chorus. Because of the inclusion of “Spotlight” on the Twilight movie soundtrack, the world has been exposed to it for sometime. If you were still unsure of the track even after repeat listens, you’ll be glad to hear that “Spotlight” makes even more sense and feels more complete when in the presence of the other songs on the album.
“Burden” is probably the best example of the band stretching themselves to improve on their songwriting. Paul Meany lays down a phenomenal vocal track on top of music that is bigger than the speakers it comes out of, invoking chills around the 3 minute mark. Characteristically of the band, the song also includes minutes of complex instrumentation along with stillness used to reflect upon.
Though ‘Armistice’ is mostly a lively collection of songs, there is a haze of defeat lingering on most tracks. “Clipping” sways in the chorus with “I don’t know what is right anymore…”, while “No Response” goes further with Meany singing “Tell me what is wrong and right I don’t suppose anyone knows…”. It’s obvious to tell that the overall themes of being beaten down by time, stress, and life in general really create a sadness that the instrumentation can’t hide. Over and over Paul’s voice comes through too strong to ignore the underlying messages, consciously or not, that he’s trying to share. Ultimately though, without talking to the band about each song, there is still enough ambiguity to cloud the conversation. Just like when you walked out of the theater after seeing Batman Returns and thought, “That was such a great movie but man was it full of dark undertones”, ‘Armistice’ will probably leave you feeling the same way.
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August 10th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Great review. I feel the same about the overall sentiment of the album. I’m hoping to get my hands on some lyrics soon. It sure seems like Meany continues to go through a ton of soul searching.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I definitely want to give this a listen. Good review.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Don’t you mean fly by the seat of their pants instead of “fly by night?”
August 10th, 2009 at 11:59 am
same thing, but ya
August 10th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Nice review. I can’t wait to get a copy of this!
August 11th, 2009 at 7:01 am
This album is excellent! “Odds” is my favorite so far.
August 12th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
This album is amazing! It gets better each time you listen to it. Can’t wait to hear and see these songs live! A must buy in my opinion.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Wodnderful review. I’ve heard this album about 5 timea so far but can’t get enough. Thank you for showcasing MM’s new album in a glorious way.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am
This album is amazing! All of the songs are great!
August 18th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
You said it right, except I would never have considered them a “fly by night” band. They have always had the potential to be bigger even back in those old days, all of 4 years ago. They have definitely grown through those years, having suffered so much, i.e. winning their legal battle w/Warner to losing their homes in Katrina. These guys and their families have persevered and done it all with grace and elegance while keeping it real with their fans.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
@ spin that 45 not as “band” but in their recording style.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I think the best way to describe this album would be “Hauntingly Beautiful”. I always thought MUTEMATH’s self titled album was amazing, but Armistice completely shatters all that I have known about the band! Never before have I heard a collection of songs so beautifuly layered. Between the constant chills this album can send up my back, I find myself fighting back the tears that start to well up in my eyes. I have no doubt in my mind that Armistice is the album that will help MUTEMATH to reach the worldwide acclaim that they are surprisingly yet to reach. Now I just can’t wait to see them perform these songs live in October!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:10 am
If you’d like to check out another Armistice review, albeit a longer, more laboring one, check it out at my new blog bluntthenub.com !