Partially Nashville based alt/indie/electro rock icons MUTEMATH recently released their fifth album, Play Dead, which both calls back to the band’s earlier, fan favorite work, and infuses their time and recent influences from the road and in their newfound independence, boasting huge hooks and progressive instrumentation to stunning, anthemic results. Despite the unfortunate recent exit of drummer Darren King, MUTEMATH are still one of the most exhilarating live bands in the world, and after previously hitting spots like War Memorial Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, Municipal Auditorium, and The Basement East, they’re set to play The Ryman Auditorium for the first time ever tonight, Oct. 3 with locals Colony House and Toronto’s ROMES. We can’t think of a more perfect spot to see MUTEMATH live, and strongly encourage you to grab tickets right here while they last; you can thank us later. Read on for more about the lineup below!
MUTEMATH
Formed 15 years ago in New Orleans by vocalist and multi-instrumetnliast Paul Meany and drummer and multi-instrumentalist Darren King (who moved to NOLA from Missouri after first collaborating with Meany long distance), MUTEMATH found an early affinity for genre-bending sensibilities, ranging in everything from classic rock, psychedelic, alternative, post-rock, and even hip hop, building an early buzz and honing their unrivaled live show before crafting and self-releasing their eponymous debut, recorded right here in Nashville, in 2006. Though fiercely DIY, strong early press helped them soon land a major label record deal, which, though it inarguably boosted them to a wider audience, would prove complicated for many years to follow, ultimately leading the band to return to an independent setup in more recent years. Fueled by the breakout success of single “Typical” and thanks to their rigorous touring schedule, MUTEMATH were already darlings of the alt rock scene by 2009 sophomore effort Armistice, and their hard to pin down sound found them sharing the stage with bands in the realms of rock, punk, pop, and beyond, finding radio success, and making appearances at festivals and the late night circuit. 2011’s Odd Soul felt like their most anthemic and commercially viable release to date, and, after a bit of a breather, the group regained full independence and returned revitalized in 2015 with Vitals, at the time partially Nashville based. After a run with twenty one pilots all last year, MUTEMATH readied a quick and inspired followup, their brand new Play Dead, but, unfortunately, drummer and co-founder Darren King exited the group shortly before its release. Though lineup changes have been a semi-regular occurrence, Darren’s electrifying presence and immense technical skill and artistic contribution made him an invaluable asset, but with tour plans locked, the band have recruited friend David Hutchison to step in, and seem to be maintaining a positive outlook on continuing to look forward. King’s involvement or not, MUTEMATH, still helmed by Meany, are one of the most thrilling live bands making music today, and with an ever-expanding, stunning catalogue, we encourage you to see them any chance you get- doubly so in a place as special as The Ryman.
COLONY HOUSE
Hailing from just down the road in Franklin, indie rockers Colony House have become a certifiable Music City success story in recent years, transforming from promising young local band to nationally buzzed about artist with their 2014 debut, When I Was Younger, and, now, major label act with their stellar followup, Only the Lonely, which arrived earlier this year via RCA. The group’s genesis traces back to childhood for brothers Caleb and Will Chapman, whose father, Steven Curtis Chapman, is a successful contemporary Christian artist. Getting serious about the band, at the time called Caleb, in high school, they met guitarist Scott Mills through their cousin, and operated initially as a trio, changing their name to Colony House after an apartment complex where they formerly lived. Rounded out by bassist Parke Cottrell, the group quickly made a splash in the local scene with their initial EPs and promising early shows, and, after their debut album, they toured regularly, made rounds on late night television and festivals, and found breakthrough single “Silhouettes” the subject of regular radio play. Further honing their emotional, personal songwriting style and eclectic, indie rooted sound, Colony House only managed to improve with their latest effort, and have become a fast growing national presence ever since, revered for their genre-bending style and dazzling live show.
ROMES
Though they formally came together in Toronto in 2015, the members of ROMES, two of whom are Canadian and two Irish, who all met in school in Ireland, have been making music together in some form or another for a decade. The group’s debut EP, BELIVE, arrived just last year, but has been burning up the blogosphere and earning critical acclaim, earning the band high-profile placements and quickly making them an act to keep an eye on (producer Tony Hoffer’s involvement is also of note). Well-matched for this lineup, with their pop accessible, anthemic, electro-laced, and eclectic sound, ROMES are definitely worth showing up early for!
MUTEMATH, Colony House, and ROMES will perform tonight, Oct. 3 at The Ryman Auditorium. The show is all ages, begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $25-35.
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