I knew that many people I knew would have an opinion on the long awaited new MUTEMATH single “Monument,” the first from the forthcoming Vitals, so I gathered some opinions. Listen while you read. Here they are:

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“MUTEMATH has outdone themselves. With the new poppy sounds and synth heavy it is clear they are vying for a new staple on the forefront of the radio airwaves. With the bands vast history of touring overseas, the new track Monument is heavy with inspirations from their time abroad in India and in Japan. Meany’s voice is really warming up in this new hit before the main album “Vitals” drops sometime in October. MUTEMATH has been a driving force in the underbelly of Alternative Rock scene, and it is very clear that the New Orleans Rock quartet is going to be driving an open road, and their making it known that “This is OUR time…” – Chris O’Connell

“Normally I’m a huge MUTEMATH fan. This song is kind of bland. I was waiting for some kind of change and it didn’t happen until 3 minutes in and even then it wasn’t the dynamic I had hoped for. I give it a soft 6 overall.” – Derek Christopher, of The Ghost Town Railroad.

“It’s pretty poppy, but I think it sounds beautiful. I feel like I need to go buy some really intense headphones to hear everything going on. It reminds me of the self-titled so I’m super stinking excited for the rest of the album.” – Stephanie Ginder, MUTEMATH superfan.

“Anticipatory excitement. Makes me want to drive in the car along the coast with the windows down.” – Alison Leckrone, of TIGR HORS.

“It has a surf disco vibe to it. Excited, euphoric, and leading. The soundtrack to a fun night.” – Sandeep Sehbi, of TIGR HORS, The Runovers, and more. Booking agent at The House With No Name.

“Getting some hints of old-school MUTEMATH. This has less jazz/blues/latin influence than in either of “Armistice” or “Odd Soul.” I like the song well enough, but I thought they really had their best sound when they dove deep into blues and jazz. That being said, it’s a solid song, and I am even more excited about the upcoming release. Whether it is pop/rock heavy or bluesy, MUTEMATH never makes bad music.” – David Appelt, part-time radio personality.

“I can’t imagine how a band could wait four years and sound like “themselves” or whatever it is we’ve defined them to be.

This song just seems like it’s the next logical step for them. MUTEMATH was made for this time. When tame impala’s new record is thought of as cutting edge, I can’t help but feel like MUTEMATH has been doing some version of that for years.” – Ben Taylor, Last of the Wildmen manager/roadie.

“Yes, Monument has the synth feel of the S/T, but this music it’s much more mature. I’m not a musician, but from what I hear I’d say MM are much more aware of what they’re doing than 10 years ago. The sound is very crisp, very fresh, the production close to perfection. There’s so much to listen to! So many sounds… Thematically and lyrically, you can tell the guys are ‘not getting any younger’. Mind you, Paul turns 40 next year. In my opinion, this song is from someone who has found peace in his life, who’s looking forward to the rest of his life knowing who he is, and what he wants. A familyman with a drive, if you like. A man who’s been at crossroads, and chose the right way to go. The song’s also full of joy. It urges you to live life to the fullest, no matter what. I enjoy life, and I enjoy this song. Very much.” – Arjan Velthoven

“I like it!!! I need more in my life!!” – Ricky Smith, OceanSpeak drummer

“MUTEMATH continue pandering to the flavor-of-last-season, a trend beginning with 2011’s relatively lo-fi, blues oriented Odd Soul, released suspiciously one year after The Black Keys received critical acclaim with Brothers.

I wonder what the record they ditched between the self-titled and Armistice LPs sounded like…” – Phil Reed, of The Wind and the Sea.

“It’s a wonderful song. Its the most poppy thing they have done but it still feels really mutemath. I get a really big self titled feel in the song and I also think it has some really good vocals and subtleties.” – Brandon Wilson