Maven is a band which since emerging back in 2012 has earned an increasingly potent reputation for their alternative rock sound loaded with big rousing choruses, captivating melody, and emotive intensity. Increasingly individuality has also been a growing aspect in its persuasive character and all are in full roar within new EP, Am I Awake?
London hailing, Maven has endured a host of personnel changes over the years but with a stable line-up now established, the quintet has built their way towards the encroaching of major spotlights. Their previous well-received EP, Closed Doors, Open Minds, ignited a strong underground following and support and it is easy to see its successor nudging the band towards even greater success and exposure.
Embracing inspirations from the likes of Don Broco, Mallory Knox, Breaking Benjamin, and Story of The Year in their sound, Maven offer up a proposition which is still to find uniqueness but openly comes with individual imagination and bold enterprise as proven by the first and title track of Am I Awake? alone. The song initially wraps ears with a melodic caress, its voice evocative and melancholic as similarly respectful beats court its solemnity. An eruption of guitar and intensity then breaks before another calm reflection of keys as the potent tones of vocalist Dan Nash share their hearts; this in turn leading to another impassioned roar of sound and emotion from which an infectious stroll ripe with tempestuousness breaks. Barely half way and already band and song reveal an unpredictable and fascinating landscape of imagination reflected in sound and enterprise, the guitars of Joe Marshall and Rob Barlow weaving a striking mix of melodic drama and sonic turbulence around the rhythmic agility of bassist Sam Tindal and drummer Josh Stillwell.
The following Stronger Than You is cast in the same theatre of thought and prowess, turning calm reflection into aggressive declaration and rousing intensity into melodic intimation with craft and ear grabbing instincts. Though it just misses rivalling the heights of its predecessor, the song is an inferno of anthemic passion and drama within an infectious landscape of successful sonic persuasion while its successor Heart Time, prowling a similar trail to those before it, strikes out with its own agitated and arousing emotions and contagious melodic rock fertility. As with the previous track, it too lacks the rich unpredictability of the first but only provides a compelling invitation and adventure within a volatile body.
Am I Alive? brings the EP to a close, deep thought and reflection soaking its heart and words as the maturity of the band’s earnest sound and songwriting erupts with poignant intent and sonic power. As the EP started, it ends with a striking and stirring proposal while across its compelling length it increasingly suggests that Maven are heading the right way to sparking eager recognition.
Am I Awake? is released December 6th
http://www.mavenband.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/MavenBandUk/ https://twitter.com/MavenbandUK
Pete RingMaster 05/12/2019
Copyright RingMasterReview: MyFreeCopyright
The first of two EPs which together unveil an elaborate story with themes looking at “dystopia, a dictatorship, and the use of technology for a chance at a better world…but at what cost?” the swiftly fascinating Lucian opens up with the single Silence the Crows. Immediately a guitar cast wire entangles ears, winding around their flesh with intimation and dexterity as rhythms gather their bait and in turn the quickly captivating vocal blend of guitarist Rhys Evans and the supporting tones of bassist Sam Green and drummer Max Hill steps forward. There is a flirtatious touch and lure to the song from its first breath but equally a snarl in its melodic almost deceitful smile, an edge which is as much threat as it is sonic enterprise as Evans guitar reveals greater flavouring and invention by the passage.
A calmer air is brought by TKO, its Three Days Grace meets Chevelle breath and emotive heart nothing less than captivating while latest single, Soldier Boy, whips up an earnest rock ‘n’ roll saunter with energy in its spirit and vitality in its craft. Vibrant melodies unite with warm harmonies, flying beats with an earthy bass rumble, all bursting through ears alongside creative resourcefulness which is as anthemic as it is intimate.
The haunting beauty and melancholic grace of brief instrumental Apparition leads the imagination into the waiting harmonic drama of Run. As guitars spin a beguiling web, Nichols croons with organic temptation being just as potently backed by the vocal chords of Hewson as the song flows evocatively through ears. It is a caress of aural sunlight with emotive shadowing which only draws the listener deeper into the heart and emotion of the album; a prowess as deftly conjured within the celestially warm and increasingly volcanic Waiting For You where progressive and melodic textures collude with metallic trespasses. With a capricious character and mercurial climate, the track is nothing less than thick enticement for ears and plaudits.
Running Back To Me leaps upon ears next, instantly winding tempting grooves around them as vocals and riffs unite inside. Boireau again commands attention though sharing it with the creative exploits of PC and the firm hand of De Sousa’s energetic beats. Carrying more of a mix of Three Days Grace and Poets Of The Fall to it, the track eclipses its predecessor with its emotional intensity and creative drama; again big surprises absent but enjoyment felt full.
It is a great start which barely waivers over the next stretch of songs starting with the album’s title track. The band’s hard rock bred sound is in feisty mood from its first breath, almost irritable in its sonic jangle backed by attitude lined rhythms. Increasingly fiery yet equally catchy, especially around its sizzling chorus, the track has feet and emotions quickly involved and in time exhausted, though they get a chance to relax with the sultry smoulder of Good Die Young. The fiercely energetic tracks always emerge as personal favourites across an Adelitas Way encounter but as proven here, the band is very accomplished at creating emotively and sonically incisive balladry. Expectantly it does come with a raw edge and dramatic intensity which only helps it make a potent impact as enjoyment flies high.
rhythmic swipes which awaken attention and imagination instantly. It is a feisty entrance by the song which is soon entwining senses in taught grooves before relaxing into a melodic and emotive caress clasped by evocative shadows. It is a fiery relaxation though which is soon aflame as the rigorous chorus erupts with similar vocal causticity from Childers. It all combines for a gloriously magnetic lure aided by the great throaty prowl of the bass and those firm swinging rhythms which punctuate every twist and emotional expulsion of the song. As lyrically gripping as it is in sound, the song is like a mix of Johnny Wore Black and Sick Puppies, and a scintillating start to the release which alone fires up a hungry appetite for more in the passions.