Wednesday 21 December 2022

Mudvayne "Lost And Found" (2005)

  

Despite being released beyond the swift decline of Nu Metal's popularity, Lost And Found stands as the groups best selling album, charting well on debut. Its a detail I don't think reflects the quality of music within. Mudvayne arrive worn out, stripped of Progressive Metal tendencies, relying on simplistic riffs and their personal aesthetics. It bares their character but lacks enthusiasm. Songs drone by in routine, syncopated riffs playing out with little relation to the passing screams and shouts of Chad Gray.

These tracks lack the challenge and intrigue proposed prior. A lone song, IMN, infringes on their past genius. Bold baselines and polygrooves but it too dulls as the band can't seem to conjure the maniacal, frantic energy once heard bustling on L.D. 50. On occasion the tone dips with horrendous choruses, chiming "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe". Another recycling Disturbed's cries of "I don't wanna be" over and over again.

As my brief remarks indicate, this album suffers its own futility. Unable to make a lasting impression beyond the forgettable nature of its mediocrity and a few sore spots, it somehow houses the bands most popular track Happy? This song has enough punch and gusto to stand heads and shoulders apart in the runtime but still seems weak in comparison to what was achieved on their first two records.

Rating: 4/10