MuteMath have always straddled the line between the more avant-garde influences and the mainstream. With the success of their self-titled debut and specifically the single “Typical”, the groups seeming urgency to break through to the mainstream is much more apparent this time around.

With being possibly one of the more entertaining live acts on the circuit today, they take the time on their sophomore effort to attempt to go just as big. More mainstream, more anthematic and less the more experimental efforts found on their first go around. Depending on who you talk to, it’s either a good thing or a bad thing, but when looked as it’s own being it is an album capable of standing on it’s own two feet it can hold its ground.

That said, they haven’t forgotten what makes them reside in a sound all their own. Many of the trademark experimental arrangements are still present on the album, and Paul Meany is just starting to hit his stride as a vocalist and lyricist. The indie rock, the new wave, the mish-mash of top-notch music genres and all around good vibes allow for a pleasurable experience.

While in the end it may fall short of the mainstream grandiose visions of it’s creators, it is still evidence of a band that may yet one day achieve that sound, and in the meantime possesses enough entertaining spots to be worth a listen to new and old fans a like. I personally can’t wait to see them live again.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 5:11 am and is filed under New Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.