When listening to an album for the first time, everyone typically has their own ritual. Whether it’s sitting with the album jacket within the quiet confines of one’s room while reading along to the lyrics or just going on a drive so there are no other electronic distractions, you always want to do something so that you can fully appreciate the music. After listening to the album in its entirety multiple times, “Pray for Rain” by Mutts takes you back to that feeling of the ritual.
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Mutts | 
"Praise for Rain"
(Mile Too Far Music)
Released December 13, 2011
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To say that an artist is “coming forward with a truly unique sound” is a cliché that, more often than not, doesn’t even truly apply, as there is very little ground that hasn’t been traversed before. However, that is the most accurate way to describe this album and its feel. Although the sound itself, utilizing an array of both electronic and acoustic instruments, is quite well refined, the sound still has quite a gritty, earthy feel to it.
The singer, though displaying a wide array of range, sticks primarily to a moaning nearly or inhaling as his singing voice, reminiscent of Dero from Oomph! or Ville Valo of H.I.M. However, despite this, the album itself is still beyond basic comparison to anything out that the masses are ever exposed to.
Mutts’ sound has been compared to Nirvana for its feel and Tom Waits and Queens of the Stone Age for its irregular beat and harmony. However, that would only be for a few of their songs. The opening track “Fool” as well as “Blind Truth” bring to mind Incubus’ debut album “Fungus Amongus.” The vocals on "Done it Again" seem nearly homage to the late great Louis Armstrong.
“Fool” is by far the strongest track on the album, taking command and making a definitive lead with the post-punk alternative rhythm and blues sound that travels throughout the album. Although it is important to lead with your best foot forward, the album never again climbs back to the intensity of this track, although the amazing talented instrumental segments in the following track “Not Ready” comes quite close.
The next three tracks, “Save Us”, “Throwback” and “Blind Truth”, seem best served as ambience. Without an attentive ear, it is difficult to discern one from another as they blend into the background. As singer and front man Mike Maimone hauntingly chants “Hallelujah, she will save us” over the score, one cannot help but be moved, but the question becomes what is the band moving us toward.
“Done it Again”, take the band back on track, using a feeling of dread and chill as it makes itself one of the best songs on the album. The only real detachment from their usual sound is “Real Bright” and “Jessy.” There seems to be a definitive dip in the quality and attention paid to these songs that is prevalent on the rest of the album. Although there is a definitive disappointment here, it is rather – and thankfully – short lived.
“Show of the Century” is a brief strictly vocal interlude introducing the album-concluding track “Putting on a Show.” What this track needed is to return to the amount of power and chilling, haunting lyrics and vocals compounded with the innovative and interesting musical accompaniment that made this such an enjoyable album. However, it really seems to fall short. The introduction is remarkably effective for being a completely vocal opening, however afterward it doesn’t really come into itself until the last minute or so of the song.
The album was very well compiled, with a great sound and just a very simple yet beautiful feel to it. The arrangements are masterful, although there is more than one track that just falls rather flat. There aren’t a lot of albums you can put on and not want to skip any tracks, and this is one of them. However, there are only a few tracks that truly stand out as establishing Mutts as a soon to be breakout artist. First albums are notorious for having a few prized tracks as an artist continues to adapt, change and develop. They will grow and fine tune their sound, but stay true to their roots. That is Pray for Rain to a T.
Though Mutts may never climb to the tops of the Billboard charts, “Pray for Rain” is a strong indicator they are at least going to become large enough that their music will be known beyond hipsters and yuppies boasting about their knowledge of obscure music. Although they are never going to sell out Carnegie Hall, they’ll be much bigger than some coffee house play list. This album is a great first album, and one that any fan will gladly say that they were listening to “long before they made it.”
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Ashleigh713
Written by Guest on 2012-01-19 09:32:34
I _wish_ people would stop mentioning V Valo' voice in reviewing other music. For one thing, it's made to sound as if he always sings the same way and it shows that you've only had a cursory listen, or are going on someone else's words.
I wasn't always a fan of V, but if you took the time to listen before mentioning him negatively, you'd find he not only has an amazing range, but can sing songs that entail loud screaming, some of the traditional Finnish songs and he can even make happy birthday sound like a caress.
I know this is not a review about HIM and I apologize for interrupting the space allotted to Mutt. I'm not a 15 year old fan, I'm here to stay. I just find it rude and inappropriate to bring up another singer, only as an uncomplimentary comparison. If you need words to express the sound of Mutt. there exist books called dictionary and thesaurus. Try that instead of relying on old, tired comparisons. Not only will you stop sounding like a bitter wanna be, but, happy bonus, maybe you'll actually learn something and become a more credible reviewer. |
Written by Guest on 2012-01-19 13:52:15
WORD to Ashleigh713! |
Written by Guest on 2012-01-19 21:59:04
Bravo Ashleigh!!!!! |
Written by Guest on 2012-01-20 04:35:31
Ashleigh713 => WORD ! |
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