Reviewed by Andrew Townend

Some Cross Rhythms readers will remember the breathtaking 'Reset' EP which introduced us to this talented team of electro rockers from New Orleans. The band then, of course, went off in pursuit of a secular deal, landed a contract with Warner Bros who released this set in 2006. The best produced albums are the ones where you can only listen to it in the correct order for it to hit you. Whereas, on random shuffle, it just sounds like a mishmash of isolated bits and pieces. This is the case with Mutemath where each track flows together seamlessly. Beginning with "Collapse", a steady drum-driven introduction which ultimately preludes the album's lead single, "Typical", an ultra-cool rock anthem, which then winds down as it merges into the interlude "After We Have Left Our Homes". These first few tracks make a tasty sandwich, with "Typical" being the filling, and set the bar high for the rest of the album. They don't half do a bad job either, and retain consistency almost throughout the remainder of the LP. Unfortunately, one thing that lets it down is its length. The album is an hour long and, by the end, I found my enthusiasm beginning to wane. However, the closing track "Reset" does reiterate Mutemath's ability to compose compelling landscapes with their instrumental outings. Standout songs are the synth-laden "Break The Same", which reminds us that it's our own tears that show that sadness is something we all feel although 'everyone's invincible but it's just pretend'', and "Typical" is great too.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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