Mute Math, Mars, and Dunkin Donuts

I have to begin with a hat-tip to Adam Spriggs.

h/t wvpv.

It was Adam that pointed out Mute Math’s new video on YouTube in a blog post, and watching it caught my  attention in way Mute Math had failed to do before. Vocalist and keyboardist Paul Meany with bassist Roy Mitchell were formerly in Earthsuit, a band who have been one of my favorites since their debut release Kaleidoscope Superior in 2000. I had the joy of seeing them play at Soul Fest in New Hampshire about that time, but after one more ill-produced (but still enjoyable) indie cd The Rise of Modern Simulation, Earthsuit disbanded. Mute Math was formed in 2003, and courtesy of Andy Fey I got to listen to a sample from the Reset EP about a year ago. I was terribly disappointed and yearned for Earthsuit. After watching their video Typical on YouTube, I was once again hooked!

I went right away to there website, and discovered that they were coming to Lawrence, KS. I shot an email to Andy, and it was set. The concert was last night – and it was one of the most amazing things I have experienced. Andy and I left speechless at what we had just seen and heard. The opening acts were fantastically mediocre, but not necessarily bad. It was worth enduring for Mute Math. It is just amazing how each of them are completely amazing musicians, and much of the show was just jamming out in between songs. At one point everyone on stage had a pair of drum sticks, hitting anything they could find. Hitting microphones with drum sticks makes a cool sound.

Another high point was the song “Stare at the Sun” in which they busted out the upright bass. About halfway through the song they just went through a 10 minute jam session that featured each of them one at a time.

It was also the drummer’s sister’s birthday, and there was a really informal, funny interlude where they had her come up on stage while the drummer told her how how great she was. Paul accompanied by playing “altar call” music on the keyboard during this touching moment.
Following this, we quietly retreated to Dunkin Donuts to reflect and recuperate. I purchased three dozen donuts, warranting the extra-large plastic bag to carry everything in. Needless to say, everyone appreciated the donuts at work today. They should change their slogan to “NPH Runs On Dunkin.”

“Mars” recognizes a major update to our web and development servers at NPH that were launched today, after more than three months of updating. It was an intense day, including about 5 hours of “putting out fires” but all major concerns were resolved. I wasn’t directly involved in the project, but I really enjoy the “all hands on deck” kind of feeling when things aren’t working as expected. Props to Darren, Kindra, and James for making it happen!  It was also a good day as I made some solid progress in my own work.

I would also like to take this time to thank my wife for being so wonderful.  I like her a lot, and she supports me by telling me that I should write more blog posts.  As does Ryan Scott, who threatened me, saying that I am on the edge of “going off the rotation” of his blog reading for lack of consistent updates.  May this delay such a move.

Upcoming: I have been focused a lot on work this week, and I need to catch up on some Seminary stuff.  Just a few more weeks, and then vacation!!!