Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 9.0
Production: 9.0
Originality: 9.0
Tracklisting
2. We're So Far Away
3. Someone Else's Arms
4. Suspension
5. This Is The Countdown
6. Painless
7. The Ocean
8. Breakdown
9. Mistakes We Knew We Were Making
10. Cover Me
11. The Everglow
12. Ready and Waiting To Fall
13. Anything
14. The Sun and the Moon
15. Epilogue
I haven’t seen the art and supposedly amazing, intricate liner notes of this record yet, but judging from the absolutely stunning website for this record at TheEverglow.com, I can without a doubt say that a ton of work has been put into the concept behind this record. A book on tape type of concept, this record musically might not be truly revolutionary, but the concept and ingenious thought put into this record are. I’m excited to relive this record a second time with the liner notes in my hand, reading along.
While I stated that the music isn’t revolutionary, that’s not to say it’s not brilliant. Swooning, delicate pianos, wonderful vocal melodies, and loud, punchy breakdowns and vibrant energy and passion are all evident. Loud, soaring choruses, and a new found energy revive the once mellow, repetitive sound Mae had on their debut. The music on this record is truly beautiful, powerful, and with a certain passion and intimacy a lot of bands are lacking these days. I was stunned on “Painless” with its dark, powerful sound and intricate, perfect piano parts, and was truly impressed from start to finish with every sound on this disc. Ambient breakdowns, speedy guitar riffs, and wonderful vocal hooks and melodies are all present. This record is truly a blessing and a splendid surprise, as Mae has significantly progressed into a powerful, rocking band who will inevitably find their way onto radio waves in time.
The Everglow does Mae great justice, with a colorful, dominant sound filled with passion and accurately reveals a skilled, talented band who has mastered their inimitable sound and style of pop impeccably.