In their 25th year, Unwed Sailor's eighth studio album, released via Spartan Records, could be called a harmonic study of sonance and sensation. From crunchy bass tones, to synthesizers in the ether, charismatic rhythms, right down to the slithering rattle of an acoustic guitar, Mute The Charm is an exploration of emotion and texture.
In style, the album celebrates the spirit of 80's new wave atop a contemplative, modern rock mantle. Through this uplifiting rollick, there is an appreciation for synthetic instruments as well as detailed production exemplified by exotic percussion, an entourage of effect filters, and the playful manipulation of instrument layers in the fading track conclusions.
Electric bass is the brightest songbird, escorted by twinkling, chorus-laden guitars wielding persuasive melodies. Persistent drums match and envigorate the energy of the four-string lead, while colorful keyboard accents embellish the matrix of sounds. Without the need for vocals, dominant composer, Jonathan Ford, keeps his organic presence alive by reaching beyond the fourth wall with spikes of artful feedback.