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For almost a year, I’ve been itching to hear new material from Mute Math, held over only by promo cuts and live performances of “Spotlight” and their own Studio Vlogs. Today, Mute Math released the first EP in preparation for their forthcoming second album (currently untitled), called Spotlight EP. After all this waiting, I’ll admit right now that this does very little to tide me over until they release the new album. BUT! I am thoroughly satisfied with the overall quality of these 4 tracks.

“Spotlight”, first heard on the Twilight soundtrack, is just as it appears there: quick and punchy. This is an excellent choice for the first single, as it displays Mute Math’s knack for catchy, upbeat, yet mysterious tunes. The clever use of claps that never seem to grow old and the inexplicably infectious chorus makes this one of my favourites so far.

The EP’s second track “Clockwork” certainly brings the ambience and momentum we’d expect from our energetic pals, but it feels like there’s something missing from this one. Comparing it to the earlier work of Mute Math, this song is noticeably more developed and “full”, if you will, but it just never seems to make its point to me. It’s as though it’s building to something it never actually reaches; a powerful, relevant crescendo. Instead, the climax of the song is a simple repetition of the chorus, with a different bass line offered by Roy Mitchell-Cardenas leading into it. It’s a shame, really.

“Earlylight” appears to be an instrumental, interlude-type song, much like “Obsolete” off of Mute Math’s self-titled album, that riffs on “Spotlight”, picking apart the melodies and rhythms found there, creating a strange mash up of haunting atmospheres and driving bass lines. Judging from the name, I’d guess that this may be an early version of “Spotlight”, but I’m probably entirely wrong. Regardless, I really enjoy this song. It plays off my deep love of “Reset”, presenting an interesting and challenging arrangement that’s a joy to listen to over and over again.

And then there’s “Spotlight [Son Lux Remix]“. I’ve never heard anything by Son Lux before this, but I’ve gotta say that this guy is good. Very, very good. He brings this song to a whole different level, stripping all of the guitars, bass, and synths, and building entirely new arrangements around the drums and vocals. This song take on a life of its own, but somehow keeps the integrity of the original mix wholly intact. Bravo!

Get your copy of Mute Math’s Spotlight EP, available now on iTunes, Amazon, and the Mute Math webstore.

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