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MUTEMATH EYES MAINSTREAM

November 5, 2009 12:36 am

BY RYAN LITTLE

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

When the word "math" is in a band's name, it carries with it certain expectations. In the case of Mutemath, the scattered rhythms and technical prowess of Grammy-nominated rockers deliver.

The band will visit the Sixth & I synagogue in Washington next Wednesday with As Tall As Lions.

Mutemath's latest album, "Armistice," explores odd time signatures and shifting keyboard samples, but the group continues to craft catchy pop anthems.

In a recent interview, Mutemath drummer Darren King explained the band's approach to the record: "All four of us were concerned about something in particular," he said.

"I was particularly concerned about making something that I would really enjoy playing over and over again. That was achieved; the songs are really fun to play."

King added, "I like the new record better than the first one."

Earlier this year, Mutemath went into the studio with Dennis Herring, who has previously produced Modest Mouse and Ben Folds. King said Herring pushed the band to make its best record yet, both musically and lyrically.

Lead singer Paul Meany tackles more doubtful, pessimistic lyrics on this record, which initially made other band members nervous.

But King said he came around to the darker tone when he realized, "There was something beautiful about the honesty. People can relate to the frustration and the confusion in the lyrics, and people appreciate having someone else relate to them in that way."

The band never shies from hard work. There was a lot of revision during the songwriting process, King said. "We're not afraid to scrap a week or two's worth of work because we've decided we don't like it. Sometimes, I think we do that far too quickly."

King and his band mates are not content to just play their own instruments either, he said. "We all get in each other's business in every way, regarding lyrics, producing, arranging and engineering."

In 2008, the band was featured on the soundtrack to the wildly successful film "Twilight." King said this was a great experience that allowed the band access to a much broader audience, but it almost didn't happen. He explained, "Our producer was actually scheduled to see the very first debate between Obama and McCain. Just before they let the press in, they eliminated one sixth of them, and he was one of those who were eliminated. If he had gotten in, we wouldn't have gotten the song mixed in time to get on the soundtrack."

Mutemath has toured with artists of all sizes, from Mae to Matchbox 20. Playing with other high-quality acts pushes Mutemath to improve. King noted: "The last time I felt really challenged playing live, it was at a festival in England with the band Foals. They really had a special kinetic energy onstage, and that was intimidating and inspiring. It made me want to get better."

Of course, the Mutemath's members wouldn't mind reaching the heights of some of their more successful touring mates, like The Fray.

"It would be so fun to have songs that people sing along to. It's really a neat thing to see that many people sing together to a song that you've written. If it's going to happen to us, it's going to take a little time. Our music is a little weirder than The Fray, but I hope for it. It's a fun dream to have."

Ryan Little is a freelance writer and musician in Washington. Visit his blog at ryantlittle.com.