Large Quantities of Talent to be Found Here
Mudvayne are a highly successful band to say the least. They've sold over two million albums, been awarded the first MTV2 award and played alongside the biggest names in rock. Their latest EP, Lost and Found, can be regarded as the triumphant celebration of all they've achieved. There are strong lyrics to be found within this album- but then, they've got to be to rise above the meaty guitars and tight drumwork.
Both 'Determined' and 'Pushing Through' are finely tuned works of metallic art but the album doesn't really kick off until the smooth, melodic curve of 'Happy?' begins. This is the older brother of Spineshank's 'Beginning of the End'- swifter, smoother and far more listenable. The difference here though is that Mudvayne are able to create the perfect single release without it sounding out of touch with the rest of their album.
Moving on, 'IMN' has a vicious, edgy feel that emanates from frontman Chad Gray. Sounding neurotic and twitching like a drug addict in a dark alleyway doesn't mean that it's got to be boring though. 'IMN' twists and changes frequently and includes some powerful bass playing courtesy of Ryan Martinie. 'Fall into Sleep' picks up where 'Happy?' left off and its softly spoken verses are split up by a ferociously emotional chorus. This is anthemic rock at its very best.
Fierce, emotionally charged and dripping, 'Rain. Sun. Gone' displays exactly what it is about Mudvayne that allows them to command a vast army of angst ridden teenagers. The delicious purr of the bass is brought to the fore on this song and with the mid-song sanctuary of flowing vocals the songs rough exterior is softened without the conviction of the lyrics being affected. Just when you think Mudvayne have reached the boundaries of their music, 'Choices' produces more silken vocals and lyrics to think upon. Mudvayne clearly understand the need for music to challenge people's conceptions of the world around them. Clocking in at eight minutes, the song's message is clear and easily applied to the situation worldwide at the moment: we've lost control of our freedom and ability to choose.
The darkness forged between their slick drumwork and brutal vocals of 'Forget To Remember' burns long after 'TV Radio' consumes your attention. There's something familiar about the positioning of roughed up vocals upon the repetitive guitars of this song. 'Just' sails past at its slim three minute playing time until the morbid vocals of 'All That You Are' slowly build up into a crescendo of snarling guitars laced with unnerving melodies. The most melodic album on the album and possibly the most surprising treat Mudvayne have prepared on this album, the six-minute track features a carving bassline and is perhaps where the album should end- for in comparison the more upbeat 'Pulling The String' sounds hollow and uninteresting. Overall however, Mudvayne have produced a powerful album that builds upon their previous efforts and blossoms into a glorious mixture of light and dark.