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Five things to expect from Mute Math LIVE!

1. Everything on stage is fair game to be clubbed with a mallet. Stool legs. Arms. Uh, the stage.

2. The body of Paul Meany spasming in rhythmic torrents of passion.  Truly, the cardio-vascular frenzy that is Mute Math has paid off: the man has a fine ass.

3. Sweat.

4. Percussion. So much percussion. See #1.

5. Pretty much awesome.

So yes, Mute Math is one of the best live acts in North America  today, and that’s not damning with faint praise. The quartet has  moved up in the world. Last time they were in Vancouver they played  the small club at Richards on Richards. This time, they’re in the fabled Commodore Ballroom, one of Vancouver’s oldest and most well- known live music venues. It is a wonderful room for great rock and  Mute Math brought in a respectable amount of people. The show was 19+ — joy! No irritating teenagers. Just a few irritating trendy hipsters. Amusing: despite Mute Math’s avowed stance as "not a  Christian band" at least half the audience was probably from or had  attended bible college. Enough smirking! On to the show!

Mute Math? Something special. Energy to burn. Excellent sound mix.  Great songs. Dynamic individual performances. And any number of  "moments" that cannot be translated through mere description. Darren King’s pre-set ritual of duct taping giant headphones around his  head. Upright bass and the extended jam of "Stare At The Sun/ Obsolete." Three of four members utilizing percussion in perfect  rhythm. Paul Meany somersaulting over his keyboard, getting tangled up in cables, and giving a roadie a great big hug for rescuing him.  King destroying the drum kit with single-minded intensity only to be  calmed down with a towel thrown over his shoulders and taken off the stage by Meany. How much is rehearsed? It certainly all feels  spontaneous, unplanned chaos married to effacious sonic vitality.

Due to various circumstances Mute Math has been touring the same  record for nearly three years on. If there is any criticisms to be  had, it is this: The set list is largely the same as the first time  this reviewer saw Mute Math back in fall 2005. One new song was played - the only song the mix failed. Lead guitar part much too  loud. Did not enjoy much. Hope this is not indicative of Mute Math being a "one-album wonder."  Overly high expectations? Perhaps.  Perhaps expected insanity to greater degree than witnessed. Minor quibbles. Reviewer’s wife blown away. Many fans, HEAD ASPLODE from awesomeness.

Opening act Pilotspeak competent musicians. Shame Pilotspeak took away 45 minutes ripping off the best of Radiohead and Muse. Please go  away now, generic band. Falling asleep.  Too many Radiohead clones in world.

Only one Mute Math. Go see them. See them NOW.

Ryan Ro