Mureau - Rumors and Reputations
Rating
RIYL
VannaA Hero A Fake
Chasing Victory
Release Date
11/08/2011
Label
MediaskareTracklist
1. California2. Bedroom Eyes
3. Intruders
4. Rumors and Reputations
5. Reflections
6. Traits of the Abnormal
7. The Fisherman’s Friend
8. Vessel
9. Brick X Brick
10. Stone Eater
11. Claws and Chemicals
12. Zombies
13. Castles in the Sky
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Post-hardcore and djent isn’t necessarily a combination that brings any current groups to mind, but California’s Mureau aims to change that. Chorus hooks, groove riffs, and flawless production are among the weapons in their arsenal, and if things go according to plan, this band is going to take off very soon. The group’s first release, Rumors and Reputations, drops November 11th on Mediaskare Records, a label I’m not very cozy with, but that may change after a few spins with this record.
The album opens with “California”, a sing-a-long track that sums up the entirety of the band. Post-hardcore/metalcore fiends are going to swoon over this group as soon as the clean vocals hit, while others may immediately dismiss it. The fact of the matter is that while stylistically they can be hit or miss, Mureau knows just what they’re doing, and do it well. The same can be said for other elements of their style. Their djent sections groove harder than many of their contemporaries who make a profit from that title, except Mureau do it without pretension. It’s a part of their sound, not a crutch.
Though the album lulls after the first couple of tracks, the majority of the stand-out tracks begin with “Vessel” and continue through until the end of the album. The five or so tracks that end the record all have a hightened energy about them and musically involve the listener to a higher degree than the middle tracks. Each song grooves harder and breaks down heavier than the last, carried by tasteful and fitting guitar work. Had the group cut a few tracks and rounded the record down to about ten, it would have come out a lot more streamlined and certainly stronger. In the long run, however, length really can’t hurt. The extra tracks will just serve as reminder to keep the second album more lean.
I consider Mureau the first Mediaskare band that I actually enjoy listening to, and that’s saying something. It’s too bad that they’re probably going to be lost in the sea of bands that are going to rip this same style and pass it off as something new and original, because they’re very talented for a young group and have a lot of potential. You might not want to let your friends know that you’re listening to them, but Mureau definitely know how to write fun music, and that’s a good thing. Rumors and Reputations is a solid debut album and anyone who can get down with the vocals should check it out.
Comments
Ada, Ohio
I was very surprised with this. The lyrics reflect their age (or lack thereof), but it's so much fun.
Illinois
pretty good record. i wasnt super impressed, but who knows, it might grow on me.
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Lehigh Valley, PA
SCV, CA
I refuse to acknowledge "djent" as a real genre.
Fishers, Indiana
Okay.
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Ada, Ohio
Then call it either "progressive metalcore" or "groove metal". It's all the same.
Fishers, Indiana
Alright, now that I've listened, this is... kinda boring. I like how they include djent like it ain't no thang, but overall the songs are pretty bland, and both sets of vocals leave a lot to be desired. The cleans especially are just sterile and devoid of melody or emotion.
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