Mute Math

I recently was out on the road playing with Frankie Valli and a new band member introduced me to some new music. The band is called "Mute Math" and the video clip he showed me (from a live DVD filmed at the El Rey in Los Angeles) was more than enough to spark my interest. Upon returning home I headed out to Amoeba to pick up the album (among others on my list), and after a few listens I must say I am definitely a fan.

The band is a foursome (vocals/keys, guitar, bass & drums) from New Orleans with an energetic sound and a reputation for even more energetic live performances (Alternative Press Magazine named Mute Math as the "#1 Band You Need to See Live Before You Die"). It's easy to hear several influences in their music, from The Police/Sting to The Sea and Cake to Bjork to The New Deal... but the resulting combination is truly beautiful and quite addictive. The songs are hooky, the beats are mesmerizing, and the musicianship is stellar. Several of the songs on the album (which was released in 2006 and gained so much momentum it was re-released in 2008 with a bonus live EP) are separated by ethereal interludes that lean towards drum and bass or electronica. This is not your typical band, and it's definitely the kind of music the world at large needs right now: real, honest, organic and incredible.

Word on the street (and by street, I mean their website) is that they are currently working on a new album that is scheduled to be released sometime during the summer of this year, which will be followed by a tour in the fall. I for one am adding Mute Math to my list of shows I gotta see.

Thumbs up, boys. Thanks for helping save the world with some great music.