If you don't know who Earthsuit is, that's probably OK. But you should
probably check out Mute Math before all your friends are talking about the
band. They put on one of the most amazing live shows, and if you don't
believe me, just check out MuteMath.com. They've been touring almost nonstop
this year, so try to catch them on the road with some other great bands. Oh
yeah, and pray that their full-length debut is released sometime soon!

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RESET EP - MUTE MATH (2005)
By Hollie Stewart

There's been a lot of hype generated in the Christian music industry with
the arrival of Mute Math. Some could say it's due to the band's past; Paul
Meany and Darren King were members of the short-lived electrical rock band
Earthsuit, which brought added diversity to the already eclectic "genre."
When the band disbanded, Meany had to rethink his concept of music and
experience a degree of healing in order for music to re-enter the picture.
But when the time came, he generated melodies simply for therapeutic and
emotional pleasure. Such tunes developed into the Reset EP, Mute Math's
first nationwide release.

Perhaps it is that emotional toil that makes this recording so enjoyable.
"Control" opens the album on the strongest note of positive, progressive
rock. Meany's vocals pierce with distinct authority and clarity reminiscent
of his Earthsuit days. The drumbeat keeps the keys and guitars from growing
mushy and depressed. It also holds some of the best imagery: "In a parachute
to glide / I am captive in your sky / Surrender has somehow become so
beautiful." If any song off of the album is a candidate for becoming a radio
single, this one is it.

Reminiscent of Earthsuit's "White Horse" in theme and word choice is the
song "Peculiar People." The words become a repetitive mantra of reminder
that "we are peculiar people." This tune holds the most reggae-rock sound of
the entire album, with Meany's vocals pairing with light harmonies that
immediately remind the listener of a late-night dance fest in a tropical
location-or perhaps in a crowded, cultural city in Louisiana. The music, not
the lyrics, keeps this song dancing in the limelight. Music also proves to
be crucial in "Plan B." Listeners enter the club atmosphere again as Meany
manipulates the lyrics to fit the rhythmic flow, repeating, "mend it all,"
lending a distinct, trancelike sound to the track. And of course, music is
the entire strength of the song "Reset," the most surprising song on the
album. A single guitar riff introduces the drums and various keyboard
sampling. It even offers a set of synthesized strings to chill the feel to a
choral concerto before diving into diverse electric drums. Capturing a slick
beat that would be welcome on the floor of any rave, "Reset" succeeds in
allowing a moment of pause between lyrics. I hope the full-length release
contains additional moments where lyrics take a bow to musical
experimentation.

A haunting yet healing song is "OK," a tune allowing a moment to reflect on
God's redemptive touch. Meany sings, "Your precious words intoxicate / a
heart that aches, it's ok." God has become humanity's embrace, ready to
encompass anyone who draws toward Him. This pop ballad has the potential to
soothe even the hardened heart. The drums and keys reinforce the movement of
reflection and thanksgiving.

Overall, I would say a lot of the media hype is merited. This is an album
grounded in musical experimentation, at least when it's compared to the
other albums being released in the Christian market. While the lyrics don't
make it out of the ballpark, the music itself compensates quite nicely. The
members of Mute Math are musicians of high-caliber, and their Reset EP might
be resetting a lot of opinions within the CCM machine on what makes a
stellar recording.

Read more about Mute Math at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/mutemath


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

APATHETIC EP - RELIENT K
Relient K has been making it big in the mainstream of late. And to keep us
enjoying their success, they have given us a 7-song disc that should make us
feel sorry for them. With four new songs and three acoustic recordings from
Mmhmm, enjoy this new offering and some great songs.

LIVE UNPLUGGED CD/DVD - JEREMY CAMP
Jeremy Camp has made a couple albums full of rock/worship tunes with a voice
like Scott Stapp. So, of course, it's time for a CD and DVD that capture the
live experience. If it's as rockin' as he was when I saw him, it could be
good.

OPEN UP THE EARTH CD/DVD - JASON UPTON
Jason Upton is one of the most prolific writers in worship music today and
thus he is our PICK OF THE WEEK. Open Up The Earth is two discs of live
worship. The album was recorded live and they did no overdubs or producing
of the album. Plus, a third disc, a DVD, features video of most of the
worship service. It's not as flashy as other DVDs or CDs you might have, but
it captures exactly what happened.


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
even more great content. If you have any comments or questions, please reply
to this e-mail or send them to webmaster@.... We'd love to hear
from you!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
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