Album Review: Mutemath “Vitals”

Mutemath released their fourth studio album Vitals on November 13.

Courtesy of iTunes

Mutemath released their fourth studio album “Vitals” on November 13.

Parker Reed
November 15, 2015

Mutemath’s fourth studio album “Vitals” is a very tight and focused follow-up to the band’s superb 2011 release “Odd Soul.”

While “Vitals” does not reach the same heights as its predecessor, the excellent songwriting and execution of the album maintain the same level of quality the band is known for.

The frantic “Joy Rides” serves as a spectacular opener, with an incredibly danceable beat lead by drummer Darren King’s steady hi-hat pulse. Elsewhere, Paul Meany’s unreasonably catchy vocal performance makes it one of the best melodies of the year.

The next pair of tracks follow in similarly excellent fashion. “Monument” was released as the first single from the album and features an infectious synth beat that drives the track forward, while “Light Up” has a bouncy feel that is as addictive as some of the band’s best work.

The rest of “Vitals” ranges from undeniably great to unfortunately underwhelming.

The band’s defining instrumentals make a triumphant return after a notable absence on “Odd Soul,” save for the interlude-like “Sun Ray.” “Vitals” and “Bulletproof” serve as the lesser-known highlights, showcasing engaging musical compositions.

Excluding “Used To” and “Best of Intentions,” the rest of “Vitals” is strikingly more delicate and atmospheric. “All I See” and “Composed” feature little more than just Meany’s vocals and some backing synths.

“Stratosphere” is the best of these low-key tracks, as it has a constant progression and some interesting guitar and synth parts being handled by Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas and Todd Gummerman.

The final two tracks of the album are unfortunately some of the weaker and more forgettable ones.

“Safe If We Don’t Look Down” has some nice instrumental elements, but lacks the engaging songwriting from songs previously mentioned and “Remain” climbs to a climax that does not seem to reach as high as it wants to.

As a whole, “Vitals” is much more reserved than any of Mutemath’s previous albums, but still brings the energy when needed in some stellar tracks that can proudly stand with some of the band’s greatest work.

While King never gets the chance to unleash his true skill behind the drum set, and the middle portion of the album may be tough to get through for some, “Vitals” is still a worthy release and one of the best alternative records you will hear this year.

Recommended tracks: “Joy Rides” “Vitals” “Light Up” and “Monument”