all photos courtesy of tu-anh pham.
Mute Math’s live show has long been a formidable force of the band’s six year legacy; Their unique music videos and brand of electro-rock barely a taste of the furious intensity that the New Orleans quartet bring to every performance. For their maiden voyage for their newly released album, Armistice, Mute Math took with them Long Island’s As Tall As Lions and prepared to once again leave a demolished stage and a jaw dropping performance in their powerful wake.
– sunbear
Upon entering Houston’s 1,500 capacity Warehouse Live venue, I was more than suprised capacity limit. No small feat for a band who have generally flown under the major-label radar and who’s biggest push came courtesy of an American Idol qualifying song. Add to that, it seemed that Mute Math had been graced with an elaborate light show and stage-engulfing arch-like installation recalling the cover art for their latest album, but more on that later.
all photos courtesy of tu-anh pham.
As Tall As Lions came out to the severe handicap that their lead singer/guitarist, Dan Nigro was ill and unable to perform that night. Not one to be deterred by misfortune, the remaining band knocked out and experimental, instrumental set that integrated some of their As Tall As Lions material with their free-form jamming. While the vast majority of the crowd hadn’t heard of the band at all prior to that night, As Tall As Lions played a captivating set that was well-received and a great precursor to Mute Math’s explosive live show.
all photos courtesy of tu-anh pham.
The foursome of Mute Math took the stage to Armistice opener, “The Nerve”, wasting no time getting the group energy going, and truly hitting their stride by the time they performed their perennial calling card “Chaos”. Paul Meany was back and forth between his Rhodes and keytar, leaping off the piano with boundless energy and spontaneity. I had seen Mute Math several times prior and, while still impressed with the on stage acrobatics of Meany, was wondering to myself what new tricks the band had in store. My doubts were quickly silenced when for the song “No Response”, drummer Darren King left his minimalistic drum set to play on a stand up drum set that flickered light to the beat. It was truly a sight to see, the large arch that served as the band’s backdrop lighting up, the video screen beneath displaying the feeds of the strategically placed video cameras around the stage.
all photos courtesy of tu-anh pham.
But the focus was never for one minute off of the band who displayed as much a flair for theatrics as their new-fangled stage show could. Bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas brandished a stand up bass as well as a fretless bass, exhibiting his mastery of the instrument as guitarist Greg Hill accented the band’s electro-rock with his stylistic squiggles and atmospheric guitar lines. Paul Meany’s interaction with the crowd was top notch as he involved them with a call and response for their U2, arena-sized song “Control” and the Police-like “Noticed”. And once again, King stole the show by riding a bass drum held high by the houston audience for their encore.
It’s always been an adage that most bands are better live than their albums, but few bands are actually an entire experience, overwhelming both visually and aurally. Mute Math have this perfected to a science and most definitely bring the intensity of a band possessed to every show.
———————————————–
setlist:
the nerve
backfire
chaos
clipping
control
no response
plan b
star at the sun
obsolete
goodbye
armistice
you are mine
noticed
odds
typical
burden
encore:
pins and needles
spotlight
reset
break the same
———————————————–
Videos:
– sunbear
WEWOREMASKS IS DEAD. 