Show Review

*Disclaimer: I forgot my notepad and was texting myself cryptic messages so I would remember details from the show, which is almost laughable as I attempt to read them now.*

By the time I arrived at Sonar in Baltimore’s downtown, Eisley was already on stage. I had never seen this band live and had no exposure to their music previously. The only thing I knew about them was a description my friend gave me - “They’re like pop-piano-rock and I think they are all related or something.” I have to admit their pixyish sound of harmonizing female voices is not necessarily my cup of tea, but the ladies came to represent and those familiar with the music were highly enthusiastic. Eisley played old and new songs (all “new” to me) and were successful in winning over a good portion of the crowd who were seemingly just as clueless as I was. All and all the performance was solid but it was obvious the masses were trying to patiently wait for Mute Math to take stage.

The tension grew while the stage was taking shape. Mute Math as a unique straight-line setup with drummer Darren King on the far right, guitarist Greg Hill on the far left and sandwiched in-between Paul Meany (vocals/keyboards) and Roy Mitchell-Cardenas. The crowd was just starting to lose their composure with anticipation and then the lights dimmed. From that first moment the explosion of energy seemed to shake the venue’s foundation. Mute Math was taking no prisoners; they came to rock us to our core! The group opened with “Typical” and when Hill played those first few chords of the track it was over Mute Math had us all in the palm of their hands.

Vocally Meany delivers album quality sound with every song. Likewise, the band overflows with passion and force one track after another. Drummer Darren King is a true technician. Largely responsible for fueling Mute Math’s vigorous onstage performance, he has headphones literally taped to his head. I assume if not fastened in this fashion they would not stay in place longer than a few seconds. The band raged on playing “Chaos”, another crowd pleaser, following up with a new song (which from what I remember) kicked ass too. The band was equally compelling during slower paced “Plan B” and “Stare at the Sun”. Moreover, the encore “You Are Mine”, a personal favorite, was beautifully represented.

Mute Math’s ability to captivate an audience is only one facet of their appeal. These guys are great musicians, their songs are dynamic and as the gentleman in front of me put it, “It’s just music that appeals to everyone.” Though that could be argued, Mute Math’s lively show is something one should attend before casting judgment on the band or their sound. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed with the performance and I would highly recommend partaking in the Mute Math concert experience.

review by Heather Galbraith