CD Review: Mudvayne - Lost and Found

Mudvayne has returned with their third album, titled Lost and Found. I have been a fan of these guys ever since I first heard “Dig” and saw these guys with the face paint and colored hair tearing it up on MTV2.

That same year they showed up at the MTV Video Awards wearing white tuxedos with blood dripping down the front from the bullet holes in their foreheads. Memorable also for the fact that they won an award and got to go onstage like that. They have since dropped the makeup act and left the made up names at the curb, leaving only their musical ability to carry onward. Fortunately, they have ability to spare.

This album seems to be a bit of a departure from their first pair of releases. It doesn’t start off as strong, it takes a good two or three songs before it really starts to pick up the pace and get a groove. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but the sound is different, it took me awhile to get used to it, but I can’t put my finger on it. The music still has a relentless aggression to it, with a good dose of musicianship. They have a wonderfully adaptive sound, they have the ability to go from a slower paced moody piece to full on in-your-face modern metal with clipped heavy riffs and growled lyrics.

I haven’t heard what their first single is off of this release, but the one that jumps out as a contender is “Happy.” It may not be the best on the album, but it sounds like a single. It features a blend of their strengths, starting off mellow with some smooth guitar picking and Chad Grey singing clean, but before long it breaks into the heavier end of the spectrum. Structurally, it reminds me a bit of “World So Cold” off of their previous release The End of All Things to Come.

It is with “Happy,” the third track, that the album really starts to take off. Following that single-worthy song is something more reminiscent of the old Mudvayne, “IMN.” A heavy track that grabs hold and never lets go, putting the bands ferocious musical aggression front and center. Other highlights include the mellow starting “Fall Into Sleep,” and “Rain, Sun, Gone,” another potential single. Then there is “Choices” which features a rather creepy sounding kid voice in the background a couple of times. Lyrically they are as strong as ever, dwelling mostly in themes of loss and despair without ever becoming overtly depressing.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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