Record Store Day: Mutemath – Mutemath (20th Anniversary) (Rhino)
In case you missed it, Rhino Records reissued the self-titled debut album from Mutemath in celebration of its 20th anniversary for Record Store Day this past April. After being out of print on vinyl for over a decade, this exclusive release is presented as a 2LP set on sea blue vinyl and is expanded to include 3 tracks from their first EP titled, Reset.
The Nashville-based alternative rock band was originally co-founded by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Meany and drummer Darren King. Meany’s previous band was the eclectic Christian band Earthsuit and he continued that experimental streak into Mutemath with a multi-layered sound that incorporates samples, synths and spacey psych-rock with soaring alt-rock melodies and off-kilter rhythms for an impressive debut.
The album was led by the energetic hit single, “Typical” with its driving rhythm and pumped up guitar jangle; it proved to be anything but typical. Another standout is “Chaos” with its atmospheric guitars and synths that surround a steady yet offset beat alongside an infectiously-catchy sing-along chorus.
Another standout, “Noticed,” reminds me of The Police, fusing a syncopated Sting-like vocal cadence over a krautrock-like beat. Later, the slower, emotionally-driven “You Are Mine” dives into 60’s and 70’s soul influences and “Stare At The Sun” is mellow with Rhodes piano and a squelching beat. With a stellar debut album and an explosive, improv-driven live performance, the band arrived fully formed and ready to conquer the world.
Although Meany and King haven’t made music together since 2017, this 20th anniversary edition of their debut album is a testament to their musical partnership; and with the D-side featuring “Picture”, “Stall Out” and the title track from their debut EP, Reset, it is the perfect collector’s item for fans. –Justin Kreitzer for Icon Fetch