The Maine – The Way We Talk EP
The Maine is a band I’ve had on repeat for the past couple of weeks, and their latest EP, The Way We Talk, is outrageously addictive. A band from Phoenix Arizona, these young guys have been making an impact on the pop-punk scene, having only formed in January of 07. Their insatiable drive for fun, charismatic punk mixed with catchy, mainstream-friendly pop just begs for attention, and if their Myspace following isn’t proof enough, these guys have accomplished so much in so little time.
The first thing to note when listening to The Maine is their truly complete sound. From the vocals to the drums, every piece of the puzzle is important in carrying out their fun-loving style. Although no individual member of the band really stands out as completely unique, The Maine as a whole is something from out of this world.
Once you first listen to the EP, you’ll realise that a lot of the songs sound similar but completely different. The Maine did a great job of not shying away from their style, but still banging out music that is not boring and repetitive. The first song, If I Only Had The Heart, is a little tame compared to the memorable swagger witnessed later in the EP. However, it still exemplifies the little details about this band that instantly put them over the top. First and foremost there’s a huge emphasis on catchy lyrics and vocals that will stand out. Alone, the vocals would be meaningless, but combined with equally addictive instrumentals; the finished product is a song worthy of rocking out to. The guitars are simple but notable, the drums are addictive and the bass rounds up the perfect 5-piece.
The next track on the album, The Way We Talk, sums up what The Maine is all about. The swagger, the attitude, the wit, it’s all exposed in this song, and this is perhaps my favourite track off the EP. Not only is the raw sound amazingly catchy and enduringly fun, the lyrics are also witty and over the top. The Maine is a band, that just loves to have fun, and they will definitely rub off on many if not all of their listeners. But just because they’re all about having fun and rocking out, doesn’t mean their music is meaningless. The songs do have subtle messages, but in the end it’s all about enjoying yourself, and enjoying their music.
Their attitude and their arrogance come natural, second only to their love for making outstanding music. The Way We Talk is an EP that should definitely be heard, whether you’re looking for a pick me up, or ready to continue loving life. I expect The Maine to get huge, having already booked big tours, and on the midst of completing a full length album, 2008 could be their year.
Check out their Myspace for official tour dates and future album info.
This takes me back to my teen years–2002, to be exact. Do they sound exactly like The Starting Line or is it just me?