Now that I’ve seen Mute Math three times at the same place playing basically the same set of songs, I think it’s time I sit down and write a concert review for the band.  In case you don’t know, Mute Math is the product of the defunct Earthsuit from many years ago.  It’s hard to compare the two, I know, and many die hard fans may even get mad at me for bringing them up.  I think it’s important, however, for several reasons.  First, it should be said that only one member of Earthsuit - they keyboard player and sometimes singer/rapper - is in Mute Math.  Second, Earthsuit’s demise came with problems from their record label, something Mute Math has also had to deal with.

Their music isn’t by any means easily classified.  Many of their songs have drum sequences and electronic interludes that dazzle fans while confusing the heck of of labels.  The first time I saw Mute Math, it wasn’t long after their EP release (Control) came out.  They basically played all of the songs on their self-titled CD.  I was completely blown away along with the small crowd gathered at Ziggy’s in Winston-Salem, NC.  I knew at that moment that they were going to be huge.  A year or so later they returned with an actual CD in hand fresh off the production line.  One problem - their label Warner Bros. didn’t know how to market it.  They were forced to distribute the CD at concerts to the fans that were now beginning to flock their way.  Their stumped label still waited months (I think it is possibly as long as a year) to release their album, meanwhile CD sales at concerts were going through the roof as the band played to sell-out shows.  It is this persistence that Mute Math gained from Earthsuit.  Many bands quit trying when this happens to them; many GOOD bands.  They believed their ideas were worth pursuing without bowing to the industry’s constant nag to be like “everyone else.”

Back to the concert review.

Mute Math still finds ways to change their songs and their sound each time I see them.  They have also benefited from recent stardom by getting an awesome road manager and a dedicated lightshow complete with a travelling engineer.  These factors increased the show’s wow-factor.  They also have stage props and lights that make the show more complete than ever before.  Darren rips up the drums (literally) leaving nothing more that could possibly be desired.  He is one of my heroes.  I spoke with him a few hours before the show at their DVD release party.  Apparently, Sabien wanted to give him a bunch of cymbals, but he only uses hats and a rock ride (not Sabien either - Zildjian).  Don’t let his lack of cymbals fool you.  The man knows how to use what he’s got.  The last time I saw their show he broke right through his one and only cymbal and gushed blood out his right hand.  Ouch!  No, he didn’t miss a beat either.  On second thought, maybe a cymbal sponsor would be good Darren.

I never get tired of going to the Mute Math show.  My heaven has Mute Math playing every night of the week.  I am either on my death bed or six feet under if you don’t see me next time.  If it’s the later - I’ll ask God for permission to leave heaven for a few hours.

www.mutemath.com
www.myspace.com/mutemath