Album Review: Revisiting MuteMath’s Self-Titled LP

Detailed, virtuosic, and forward-thinking, this 2006 record still gleams.

To many indie, alternative rock, and Christian music fans of the 2000s and 2010s, the name MuteMath brings forth feelings of respect, admiration – and maybe even a sting of bittersweet nostalgia.

Now the solo project of producer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Meany, MuteMath was originally a four-piece band founded in 2002. While the days of MuteMath as a band are gone, they’re certainly not forgotten. Radio-worthy gems like “Typical”, “Blood Pressure” and “Monument”, as well as placements in video games, TV and film (including Twilight, where “Spotlight” appeared alongside tracks by Paramore, Radiohead, and Muse) introduced the post-rock band to a wide audience. With three top 10 placements on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, a Dove Award and a Grammy nomination, the band’s discography is certainly worth digging into.

Those looking for an introduction to MuteMath will find the band’s self-titled album a natural choice. Released in 2006, the record features the talents of Darren King (drums), Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas (bass), and Greg Hill (guitar), with Meany providing lead vocals and keyboards. Dense with layers of warped samples, analog synths, vintage guitars, otherworldly bass lines, and King’s dynamic and complex drumming, the album strikes a beautiful and difficult-to-achieve balance between artistry and accessibility. It leans into experimental territory more so than some of the band’s later works, while also using pop conventions like common arrangements and chord structures. The resulting sound is both deeply interesting and widely appealing. Throughout the album, a vintage warmth resides at the center of a galaxy of otherworldly synths and futuristic, dreamlike oscillations. Those familiar with the sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s will find King’s dry-and-punchy drums and Meany’s spaced-out Rhodes reminiscent of a distant psychedelic rock record back on Earth.

Many of the songs flow into each other, creating a nearly continuous work, like a story being told. There are many interesting juxtapositions to note: dark and light, dismal and hopeful, even human and machine — such is the contrast between warm, organic instruments and bright, futuristic synths. “After We Have Left Our Homes”, “Chaos”, “Plan B”, “Stare at the Sun” and “Break the Same” deal with of regret, despair, brokenness and vanity, evoking darkness lyrically and musically — while “Typical”, “Noticed”, “Stall Out”, “You Are Mine” and “Control” radiate with themes of hope, love, humanity, redemption and surrender. Three instrumentals — including the fan-favorite “Reset” — provide apropos opportunities to lessen the intensity while maintaining a consistent pace, all the while showcasing incredible musicianship from the whole band.

Though MuteMath’s legacy as a band is worth appreciating, there is a lot to look forward to from Meany as a solo act. Monday, Meany announced his upcoming debut album, “Motivational Speaker” on Instagram, expected to release sometime in 2023.

Check out Meany’s Instagram reel here.