Show Review

Mae could have definitely sustained their careers as a band simply on the money I spend on them. With cash I have spent T-shirts, CDs and shows, they have easily bought their parents very nice homes. But I am happy to do it because every time I see them play or listen to their CD, I am blown away. But, for once, the openers out shined Mae.

The night began early, with openers The Working Title. The band played a surprisingly good set, mixing three new songs from their forthcoming album with three songs from their EP. The new songs are much more piano based as opposed to the more acoustic jams from Everything Here is Wrong. But, even though their music is somewhat laid back, they kept their live show interesting and fun to watch and Joel’s vocals were spot on. Although the band might get swept away by the throngs of other indie rock bands that are out there these days, it will certainly not be due to lack of talent.

Next up was This Day & Age. They flat out stole the show. Sporting their new full-time keyboardist and not-so-new bassist, they slammed through song after song, mostly from the newest full length Always Leave the Ground, but also a new one that sounded great. The guitars were clean in a venue that notoriously tends to muddy up the guitar sound and that is to the band’s credit. I would have paid twice the ticket price to just watch Steven, the drummer, play. Playing drums and keyboard at the same time, sharing vocals and just his general presence behind the kit was a sight and sound to behold. These guys are so young and so talented that it is only a matter of time before they will be headlining tours themselves.

The third band on the bill was the local favorite Lovedrug. I will say that on CD the band sounds epic. Full flowing guitars and keys and clear as day vocals with catchy beats. Everything just flows well. Live…not so much. It might be the venue, but everything was too jumbled together. The guitars were far too loud that it drowned out the keys and, more importantly, the vocals. The crowd was lost as to what was going on. I did get to hear a few of my favorites like, “Blackout” and “Spiders,” but I will stick to listening to Pretend You’re Alive.

Finally Mae took the stage, and played and mediocre set. The music itself wasn’t bad but the band just seemed out of it. The other times I saw them they had plenty of energy and seemed interested in playing, but maybe that night was just an off night. The band seemed like they didn’t really know what they were playing and Dave’s vocals would be best described as lazy. Instead of the full melodies he flaunts on the records and during other live show, he opted to sing lower and more dumbed down versions. The other more curious thing about the night was the set list. Opening with The Everglow’s “Someone Else’s Arms” and heading straight into the oldie but goodie “All Deliberate Speed,” it seemed like it was going to be another stellar show. But by the end I was just confused. There was a general lack of crowd favorite songs like “Soundtrack for our Movie,” “Sun,” “The Everglow,” and “Goodbye, Goodnight.” But I will say that I was surprised when they busted out an old classic, “Skyline Drive.” All told, for an old fan who had seen them may times before, it was an alright show. But for newbie fans, I would imagine it was be somewhat of a letdown. This show didn’t turn me away from Mae. I still call myself a fan. It is just that next time I see them they will have to make up for it.

review by Alex Drumm