Putting several years between releases is a risky move for any band. The drawn out timeline can either add buzz to new music when it finally arrives, or it can make a bands fan base diminish almost entirely. Luckily for Mutemath, they have experienced the former. After four years since the release of their last record, Odd Soul, the New Orleans rock outfit is back and hitting the ground running.
Mutemath formed over a decade ago in 2003 and are comprised of front man Paul Meany, drummer Darren King, bassist Roy Mitchell-Cardenas, and relatively new guitar player Todd Gummerman. The Grammy-nominated rock band is known for the psychedelic style and electronic-synth sound.
They were relatively quiet between 2011 and 2014 until they announced the title of their newest record, Vitals on their Facebook page. During their relative hiatus, Mutemath also parted ways with label, Warner Brothers, which played a part in the extended break.
“The process of parting ways took a long time and forced us into a bit of a hibernation that was probably very healthy (especially for our families) but also a little frustrating,” King explained. “We always take a long time to make a new record but those events caused it to drag out even longer.”
The hardest part of being a musician and creating a body of work can be the limitless distractions in life for King. So taking a bit of a break helped to refocus not only him but the rest of the band as well.
“Eliminating distractions is the challenge. Especially in regard to the creative side,” King shared. “There can be so many diversions that come your way every day, some of them are important some of them are just stupid but the trick is to shut them out at least temporarily so that you can create. Sometimes you just have to put all of it on hold and work on what it is you do.”
They began working on Vitals in 2013, but dissatisfied with the result they scrapped everything and started over. Their goal was to create songs that were simple in nature, but also with a relative theme. As a result of the longer work time and refocused effort, they wrote countless songs for this record, but ultimately chose a selection that were linked together. Lyrically, many songs settled into the same themes of matrimony and relationships lasting over time, King said. Musically, they wanted a compilation of more synths and simple danceable beats. Compared to their last record, Vitals is not only synth-heavy, but the guitar approach is more rhythmic and made to reflect an electronic essence. For Odd Soul, Mutemath lost long time guitarist Greg Hill, but coincidentally it became one of their most guitar heavy releases to date.
“Even though we lost a member, not many things changed in our process as we each collaborate on ideas for multiple instruments all the time, and since I play guitar and have played on previous songs, it wasn’t that difficult of a transition.” Mitchell-Cardenas said.
Prior to the work they did on Vitals, they added a new member, Todd Gummerman, and settled into a workflow that was very collaborative on a variety of instruments-not only do they all play several instruments, but the band as a whole has grown very fond of using samples in their work. While the band is based in New Orleans, Mutemath finds it very helpful to also take time to work separately, to keep things fresh.
“We often work in separate cities each of us stockpiling ideas, riffs, lyrics, beats and songs that we jam on when we get together,” King said. “This process of working together and then separately over and over can be very helpful especially in the initial stages of writing.”
Three singles have been released from Vitals including “Remain,” “Used To” and lead single “Monument”. The process of choosing singles is a collaborative effort between the band, management and label and is not always an easy task. It is very daunting to decide which songs people will hear first, especially when they give people a preview of what direction the album will go into.
“We wanted it to be memorable, exciting to our immediate fans, and have a shot at getting airplay,” King said. “”Monument” is probably the simplest and most upbeat track on the record. The second song we made available “Used To” acts as a good bookend for the less darker side of the record.”
Leading up to the release, Mutemath has been on a fall tour that was entirely sold out. They made their return to the stage at a Lollapalooza after show in July, and this tour has been a dream for the band and fans alike.
“A few nights have been utterly transcendent,” King said. “Nothing replicates the rush you get from a small club packed full of your best fans.”
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Vitals can be available for purchase on Friday November, 13
