With their third studio release the gents of Mutemath have this amazing way of bringing something new to the table while keeping their sound fully in tact. Perhaps its the skewed twists of guitar rifts or the groovy drum beats but there is something about this record that separates it from the rest. It is energetic and bold and is sure to give the band the shine that they deserve.
It opens with the self-titled track Odd Soul setting the mood of the album with its demanding heavy bass infused guitar mash up. I can't shake the feeling that this will serve as the anthem for some righteous movement of some sort. I can visualize it now...a sea of protesters lined up along city streets rocking the ground with their chanting voices shouting 'we are odd souls, we are odd souls!!'...
Following is Prytania with its 8 second trippy intro. It sets the listener up for a groovy road trip of nauseous guitar beats.
Given the fact that the boys are from Louisiana its no surprise that the next track Blood Pressure is delicately decorated with a little southern twang. Coincidentally enough the lyrics tell a story of Darren's childhood days in New Orleans and the dwelling pressure of living up to people's expectations of him. Lyrics like 'why can't you be more like your older brother...why can't you do a little more for Jesus' sums up the feeling and notion behind this song entirely...
I love the message of Tell Your Heart Heads Up. The ghostly echo of Paul's voice combined with his faint oooing gives it a haunting vibe.
All Or Nothing is one of the more captivating songs on the record in my opinion. Paul's voice on the hook just kills me and the last two minutes revives me and then kills me again! Just lovely...
Sun Ray strangely enough puts me on a whole other planet so I find the title very fitting and true...
On Allies Mutemath experiments with their sound a bit by incorporating a psychedelic rhythm reminiscent of the late Jimi Hendrix in some respect while still maintaining their original sound and I have to hand it to them. The intricate beat melody at the end is pretty intense.
Cavalries serves as the follow up to Allies experimenting just a little bit more. It kind of marks the midpoint where the record picks up speed and really draws you in. I can only imagine the kind of riot that would erupt at a show if this song was performed.
Walking Paranoia is hands down my favorite track on the record and is slowly but surely becoming my favorite from the band as a whole. The chorus is perfect the melody is perfect this song is just perfect. I don't know what to say.
I love the brilliance behind One More. The problem with some bands is that the only person that the listener is able to connect with is the lead singer because that's whose voice they hear but that is what makes Mutemath so awesome. On this track especially everyone is given a chance to shine and we are able to hear the exquisite talents of all members.
Equals in my opinion was the band's treat to their loyal fans who have been there for them since the beginning. It sounds like a leftover track from Armistice or something that they couldn't quite let go of so decided to put it on this one. Since it kind of messes with the consistency of the record I would have put it at the end but I definitely admire it either way.
Quarantine is a prime example of what I like to call a two'fer. It took me about two listens to comprehend the fact that it is one song that is just drawn out for about 7 minutes. I was almost convinced that it was two separate songs that just happened to compliment each other very well. It mellows out towards the end transitioning to a smooth setting preparing us for the albums closing.
In No Time is the perfect closing track. I can easily see it being placed right before the ending credits of a Showtime series or something. Its subtle yet mesmerizing all at the same time.
x x x x x x x x x x
No comments:
Post a Comment