Album Review: Mae - 'Singularity'

This record is going to upset

a lot of long time Mae fans. Why you ask? “Singularity” has so many

arena rock anthems on it that Mae could very well become the next Jimmy

Eat World, and that would mean they aren’t our little secret anymore! 

But really, who gives a fuck!?

When an album is this good I couldn’t give a shit if the 12 year old

kid down the street likes it because good music is good music and Mae

deserve all the success that this album will earn them! 

The most noticeable different

between “Singularity” and Mae’s last outing (The Everglow) is

the lack of piano driven ballads. In fact, the traditional piano sounds

have been toned down dramatically and have since been replaced with

a synth heavy keyboard sound. I’m not saying that one is better than

the other – the piano suited the sounds the band was aiming for on

“The Everglow” and the electronic vibe is working for them at the

moment – they are just different! 

“Brink Of Disaster” has the

honour of opening the record and it’s a fair indication of where Mae’s

sound is currently at. I was expecting a piano based intro but instead

we’re given a riff to rival anything the Foo Fighters have written

in the last 5 years and a keyboard sound which wouldn’t be out of

place on a Helloogoodbye record. Good to see a band who’s not afraid

to throw in a key change and some well placed oh ahs as well! 

The clean chords which start “Crazy

8’s” made me think of Incubus (this is a good thing by the way)

and the seamless transition into the chorus makes it one smooth song.  

“Sometimes I Can’t Make It

Alone” has the same majestic feel that bands like Silverchair and Cave In are able to fit into their

rock operas. It’s amazing what a simple riff and a catchy (although

a tad cheesy) melody can achieve! Although “Just Let Go” is a pretty

cool song in its own right, I don’t think it competes with the more

upbeat material that is prevalent on the record.  

Dave Elkins has always been a

competent vocalist but some of the notes he hits on “Singularity”

wouldn’t have been possible 2 years ago. Chalk it up to more experience

on the road, or maybe a few more dollars in the studio but either way

the vocals performance should be applauded. 

I can only assume that the directive

from the suits at Capitol Records was to write an album full of upbeat

rockers. Normally a record with 12 songs that follow the same pattern

could become a little boring but it doesn’t really matter when every

chorus is as big as Michael Moore. 

BUY THIS RECORD!!!

1. Brink Of Disaster
2. Crazy 8’s
3. Sometimes I Can’t

   Make It Alone

4. Just Let Go
5. On Top
6. Waiting
7. Sic Temper Tyrannis
8. Release Me
9. Telescopes