The Grammy-nominated, New Orleans alternative rock band, MUTEMATH is back. Their latest album, \u201cPlay Dead\u201d was released on Friday, Sept. 8 and compliments the unique mix of pop, electronica and alternative rock genres they have mastered over the last 15 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlay Dead\u201d showcases Paul Meany\u2019s quintessential lead vocal range while Darren King, the former drummer for MUTEMATH, delivers his heaviest drum tracks on his final album with the band.<\/p>\n
Prior to the release of the album, Meany announced that King would be parting ways. This news comes almost two months after their \u201cPlay Dead Live Tour\u201d was announced. Roy Mitchell-C\u00e1rdenas, former bassist for MUTEMATH, also delivered his dismissal in May. Former member, Jonathan Allen, has replaced Mitchell-C\u00e1rdenas, and David Hutchison has been entrusted to fill King\u2019s role.<\/p>\n
For the better part of five years, MUTEMATH worked on \u201cPlay Dead\u201d while releasing their 2015 album, \u201cVitals.\u201d Their collaboration with Twenty One Pilots in 2016 grew their notoriety and helped influence their sound into a tasteful, indie-disco blend.<\/p>\n
The album opens on the first track, \u201cHit Parade,\u201d that offers a whimsical melody served with a catchy chorus, commanding drum progression and delicate synths. The first song reassures you that this is a MUTEMATH composition through and through.<\/p>\n
The exploration of mixing distorted dubstep backed with R&B-style drums takes listeners on a computerized journey down Nintendo Lane on the third track titled \u201cStroll On.\u201d The electronic sound from their previous record, \u201cVitals,\u201d coincides with their ability to produce thrashy, playful music that loyal fans have been drawn to since the beginning.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreak the Fever,\u201d the fourth track, is the genre-breaking risk that MUTEMATH needed to entice new listeners as well as keep long-time fans on their toes. This groovy, disco-infused track makes listeners feel like they\u2019ve just stepped out of the world of Stephen Lisberger\u2019s film \u201cTron.\u201d The synthesized vocals are reminiscent of early electronic pioneers, Daft Punk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWar\u201d and \u201cAchilles Heel\u201d both include raw, punk rock riffs that create an aggressive tone towards the latter part of the album.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlace On Hold\u201d is a melancholic ballad that erupts toward the end with an 80s rock band jam that leaves you exhausted. This track was originally shelved for their fourth LP \u201cOdd Soul,\u201d but after not making the cut, it was reimagined for \u201cPlay Dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
The finale of MUTEMATH\u2019s most diverse album to date leaves a somber taste with \u201cMarching To The End.\u201d For loyal fans who remember their heavy use of violins and piano in their 2009 album release, \u201cArmistice,\u201d you will be overjoyed to know this powerful melody incorporates both mediums, guaranteeing that they have not lost their roots.<\/p>\n
MUTEMATH\u2019s debut of their sixth LP has sparked outstanding reviews amongst the alternative-indie scene and is sure to make a ripple in the pop realm. Whether you\u2019re new to MUTEMATH or you were anxiously awaiting their midnight release of the album, I highly advise you to give it a spin. However, I am not responsible for the musical deliverance you will experience.<\/p>\n
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