After months of promoting their second album, Armistice, MuteMath finally took to the road to play live shows.  With Philaldephia’s TLA at the Fillmore the third stop on this trip, tour manager Levi mentioned that this (Philly) was the first stop where all of the bells and whistles would come out – and they did.

As Tall As Lions

To open up for Mute Math, New York’s As Tall As Lions took the stage with their six-member contingency and the sounds of their new album, You Can’t Take It With You.  The packed TLA featured fans of the group, yet the majority of fans appeared to be awaiting MuteMath, as lyrics weren’t echoed by the crowd and more claps were heard rather than hoots.

While only the opening and closing songs of their set featured a trumpet, it was these songs that stood out the most as they drew attention from the stoic, yet harmonious,  Dan Nigro.  Bassist Julio Tavarez proved to be the most lively fellow on stage, yet having a more vocal and out front lead man would have made more sense.

For the group to play to such an enthusiastic audience goes back to how they have gradually built a solid fan base and how they have progressed through the years.  Most groups with six members are a sight to see and ATAL is no exception.

MuteMath

The last time we saw MuteMath, they were playing with The Cinematics at this same venue two years prior.  While that show wasn’t packed, it got everyone in the place moving and talking.  In front of a sold-out house on Friday night, the word about the natives of New Orleans had surely gotten out, whether it was through their song “Spotlight” from the Twilight soundtrack, their country-wide promotion tour or through some other avenue.

From the gate, “The Nerve” opened up the show that gyrated between tracks from the new album and their debut.  What the live show offers that the CD won’t is extended versions of songs as well as incredible visuals.  “Stare At the Sun” and the final encore songs “Reset” and “Break the Same” stretched songs to draw extra attention to the talents of Paul Meany on the keytar, Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas on the double bass, Greg Hill on guitar and especially Darren King on the drums.

MuteMath gives it all at every show.  Their ability to approach the crowd, whether it be by crowd surfing while singing, handing instruments into the front row, or to have the crowd hold up a drum with the drummer on top, is really something rarely seen at shows since groups prefer to keep some distance.

The Armistice Tour will be continuing until November 13, so check MuteMath’s web site for tour dates and additional info.

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