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Seattlest had heard nasty rumors from brother Austinist that New Orleans-based Mute Math was, in fact, a Christian rock band. At first, we didn't know whether or not to believe it. After all, there's nothing to the band's overproduced Police/early U2 sound that seems overtly religious, nor was there the requisite shout-out to the Man Upstairs in the CD liner notes or on their website. Plus, people from Texas lie.
However, when we got to the Crocodile on Saturday night, our worst fears were confirmed, as we found ourselves amidst the most fresh-faced crowd ever. "It's something about their hairdos," claimed our companion, "They're so clean-cut. They just have to be Christians." Starting to feel stifled by the overwhelming wholesomeness of the crowd, we figured we'd head to the back of the venue and get a drink from the cash bar. But wait---that bar was closed and the Croc bar proper had a horrendously long line. We'd have to endure the young Christian Coalition completely sober! Lord have mercy.
Fifteen minutes after the band's scheduled showtime, the well-coiffed quartet finally took the stage. The drummer duct-taped headphones to his skull, and Mute Math launched into the first track off their self-titled release "Collapse." Lead singer Paul Meany climbed atop his Rhodes keyboard and stood before the crowd, arms outstretched. "Like Jesus," we thought. And the crowd went wild. Seriously, the audience (all of which are assuredly their MySpace friends) loved this band. Seattlest was unfortunate enough to be behind a particularly obnoxious pack of wild kids who enjoyed knocking into each other. We're all for dancing when the music is dance-worthy, but Mute Math is more in the head-bobbing vein, which made these rabid fans that much more annoying. When a couple of them went spastic, pushing into us, we pushed back, leading one of them to ask, "Do you want to help me get this started?" No, we replied, no we did not.
Eventually, we made our way in front of those audience members, so we could better view the action onstage. Meany put everything into his performance, and it showed via the rivers of sweat cascading down his face. He played his keytar with gusto, crowdsurfed once, and jumped onto his keyboard a couple more times---including the encore "Reset," in which he played a homemade instrument known only as "the Atari." We can admit the band put on a solid show, even though their style of music isn't really our thing. Mute Math tends to stretch songs that should be three and a half minutes to the five minute mark, and many of those were even more drawn out live (the overlong "Stare at the Sun" being the prime example). But if this crowd is any indication, Mute Math is seriously going places. They've already got the arena sound. Now all they need is the arena.
Photo courtesy of Flickr / user: tymsnurmn04
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I’m a fan of the band, but I also hate the "Christian crowd." Especially after "they" choose to ignore the bands wish to have no association with Christian music. Mute Math has stated in several interviews that they are not a Christian band, nor are they making music for Christians. These Christians are trying to force the association on the band. Probably because they have to justify the band is Christian to listen to them. Hopefully this crowd will dissipate as the band's popularity grows. Or maybe Mute Math will do something to offend this group of tools.
When you're not among your "dirty friends," you're in trouble.
They started off as a Christian band. Anyone that knows them still knows that they are Christian, in a band. There is a difference, but they are still going to draw from a solid, loyal Christian fan base. Was the crowd that big of a problem? I doubt too many wrecked their cars drunk on the way home or OD'd. I can think of worse types of crowd.
I'm not sure if being a Christian precludes you from using alcohol and/or drugs. I heard a couple young 'uns in the crowd brag about slamming some shots before the show.
And I'm sure there's worse types of crowd (Insane Clown Posse fans, for example). I just find really positive yay-for-everything people to be annoying.
I like the honesty, but Mute Math's album doesn't sound overproduced at all. It has a much more raw feeling to it. And the overlong Stare At the Sun probably seemed long because it transitioned seamlessly into Obsolete, which was the instrumental track featuring Roy's work on the fretless bass guitar.
who freakin cares if they're christian or not. they make kickass music. period.
well even if they are christian it doesnt mean they have to make christian music. alot of people in bands are christian they just keep it to themselves
Who the heck cares what religion they are? At least they aren't getting stoned and crashing off the cliff after.
Obviously their music isn't Christian, I think it's pathetic that you would judge the band and their entire crowd based on their personal religious beliefs. You're assuming a lot to think the whole crowd is Christians. Of course they are annoying - it was all-ages, wasn't it?? It's not about religion. Sheesh. Way to judge.
So...in other words...Mute Math isn't worth listening to because they have a fanbase with moral value? Looks like this review is a little more personal, than about the music. Turned into MTV have we? It's your loss...the people who can't look past personal beliefs to hear what WILL be a band to leave their mark. If you're afraid of people who don't drink and swear...stay home and keep your reviews to yourself. No one wants to hear it.
hm, that's strange audrey. You say that being Christian doesn't preclude you from using alcohol/drugs (I completely agree), yet you seem to think that it precludes you from being anything but "really positive yay-for-everything people".
...
hmmmmmmmm.
LOL...its of no surprise that the War between "Christian and 'not-Christian" would be started because WB did wrong to Mute Math causing confusion of those 'labels'.
People of both sides like their stereotypes of both saved and unsaved who like rock music. Christians are called 'tools' and considered wannabes while 'Christians' talk about the unsaved as dysfunctional heathen with drug problems..etc.
Bottom line is that Christian or not, we are all sinners and only Christ in his mercy saved us. The 'War' is stupid and shows a great deal of ignorance and lack of understanding. Its reminiscent of the bickering between the Pharisees and Saducees.
By the way, to the article author...people LIE in general..not just people from Texas. After all, it was WB who put the label on them. You should do some research before saying crap like that. I live in Texas but from Ohio and don't think I'm a Bush supporter...the guy is a joke and a sad excuse for even a puppet plutocratic president. But Cheney, that's the most vile/ evil person on the face of this planet right now. Him and Bush's 'pappy'.
Wow, I had no idea that anti-christian prejudice was so bad. The idea of hating someone because they try to live life for a purpose higher than themselves, or disliking a band that sounds good just because their members may be in that group just seems ridiculous to me. Maybe there's a reason you felt uncomfortable...
Mute Math are in fact Christians, but don't want to be associated with that industry. I would like to apologize for us Christians who enjoying seeing a good rock show. You make a great point...because they have broken off from the Christian music label, all of us should stop going to see them. Not quite sure you have an argument there.
I think youre taste doesnt add up. The crowd wasn't wholesome because their Christian. They were wholesome because Mute Math fans tend to have taste and style. and people with taste and style dont usually look like slobs with beards who smell like alcohol, which apparently is your measuring guide for the personal religious beliefs of the artist. i think this article is incredibly judge-mental and drowning in misplaced arrogance and smugness. i NEVER EVER listen to "christian" music....and i love this band. as a musician and someone looking for music that stretches the boundaries with melody and texture and ambience. Not as a Christian. The author needs to get over him/herself. just because this band style isnt your "thing" shouldn't allow you to bash these guys or their fans whether theyre christian or not. was anyone proselytizing at the show? who cares if theyre clean cut or not? does the music sound good? because thats what matters. did they mention anything about Jesus during their set or on their album? No. Never. And the reason the wild kids were being idiots is because, um...they were wild kids maybe? and kids at shows are idiots. If the author of this article would like to debate this subject or discuss their self-righteous attitude any further, u have my email, so let me know. and all you "christians" who posted before me who help the author bring the irrellevancy of religion into the discussion of this band, quit pretending like the world around you doesnt exist. of course theres anti-christian prejudice. its the nature of being a christian. my point is, youre proving the point the author is trying to make which is that you people are incredibly annoying when you ALWAYS ALWAYS try to bring religion into everything you do, including music. the last thing you should be doing to provide a valid argument is by showing how annoying you are. or discussing what you think of the president. make the point that i did- that youre an idiot if you feel a band is lesser than their abilities because of what they may or may not believe. if you enter into this discussion trying to make the author feel bad because youre a christian and you have your right to believe in a higher purpose, and that Muth Math are good christian boys or whatever....get a life. Cuz youre as big a moron as the guy that wrote this stupid article.
Are you serious? Did you listen to the music or just go with a closed-mind based on what you thought before you arrived? Methinks the latter. Keep an open mind next time you get on your soapbox to review something. A jaded review like this wrongs everyone and helps no one, including your poor journalist skills.
If I didn't miss anything, there are actually only two sentences in this review that have anything to do with Mute Math's music. You're a sad, sad little person, Audrey, with your Christian-bashing and your two sentence review.
I'm sorry, this entire thing makes you look like a closedminded dumbass. I'm with mmowns, tenorek, and others on this one. These guys are extremely talented musicians with enormous stage presence, and to have such a negative view on their concert because of their fan base (which may not necessarily a 'christian crowd', as oppose to your categorizing) is pathetic.
You're a decent writer, you should at least have the balls to get past something as petty a bands fan base and not be so judgemental.
I mean, at least you admitted they're going places, but in reality, you're really biased, and it affects your review. Pity.
Fuck you everybody
This article is so old, it's almost not worth it to comment. But to the "reviewer" I have to say that I agree with many who've already posted that if you only care about the music, then don't judge the music by the band and what their beliefs may or may not be. Why is it that your "worst fears" is that a band might have members with Christian beliefs? Does that detract from their musical abilities? Also, the fact that you were offended by the perceived wholesomeness of the crowd shows how very prejudiced and judgmental you are. And, would you prefer staggering, vomiting drunks falling all over you? Would that make it a serious rock show?
To "ant" I say, George Bush has nothing whatsoever to do with Mute Math. Your comments are irrelevant.
To "Peter Cellar" - the world is a better place for your post here. Ha! Spend your time doing something more valuable than typing expletives on some blog.