Album: Singularity
Artist: Mae
Websites: Official & MySpace

On the brink of their latest album, coming out in stores next week, the band members of Mae have been quite busy. They're anxiously preparing for their cross-country tour, sharing the ride with the likes of As Tall As Lions and Deer and the Headlights.

{mosgoogle right} This latest album is the band's first effort with a major record label, Capitol Records. Just the title alone, which was inspired by a book the guys were reading—defined as the unknowable in science—suggests that this band has done some serious introspective thinking.

The members of Mae name their permanent residence as Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is there where band founders, Dave Elkin (vocals and guitar) and Jacob Marshall (drums) put together the rest of the group. Collectively this includes, Mark Padgett, (bass) Rob Sweitzer (keyboards) and Zac Gerhing (guitar). Together they wrote and played their style of music, which strongly echoes their musical influences, such as Pearl Jam, U-2 and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Their songs reflect that of a band whose members leave nothing up to chance, and this is strongly apparent in the lyrical writing. From the beginning, Dave and Jacob wanted to write music that touched their fans in a deep and profound way. Judging by song samples from their previous albums, on their old indie recording label, Tooth and Nail, it is clear that Mae had consciously decided to be different in their sound and delivery of their brand of music.

"Brink of Disaster" starts with a strange 'end-of-the-record' repeating sound, that one might be accustomed to hearing when the needle on a record player reached the end of an album. It's this sound that has a strange hypnotic quality to it, drawing the listener in to the remaining track. The funky organ heard on the track has an almost whimsical, harmonica sound, which lends to its 80s nostalgic tone. It's a trick with a keyboard. The lyrics express insecurities, and the need to escape when everything hits the fan – like someone experiencing a disturbing, paranoid episode.

"Rocket" radiates on the other side of the spectrum, with its accelerated, heavy drums rushing the listener in. Pulsating keyboard playing enhances the frenetic melody. A galloping beat does to the listener what the title of the song implies—it launches the listener into a moment where everything...every desire and fear...is explored and thrown at them. A retro melody, reminiscent of Styx, seems to permeate the track. Dave Elkin's lead vocals invitingly pose the question, "Will you join him on his adventure into the wherever?"

Singularity's featured track is called "Sometimes I Can't Make it Alone", and as Dave explains, "is about finding out...that the journey of life itself is more rewarding and more fulfilling when you get to experience it with someone else."

The song jams out with pulsating beats and carefully structured harmonies. The slap-in-the-face lyrics illustrate the nagging reality that we all need someone sometimes to help us through the events of our lives. Through the lyrics, the singer surrenders to the realization that this special person, standing loyally by his side, is just who he needs to accompany him on his journeys of trial and tribulation.

Mae is not afraid to visit the past with their music. To demonstrate this courage they recorded a cover version of the Beatles song, "A Day in the Life". Dave simulates John Lennon's vocals, the effects which were mastered by every Beatles fan's favorite "fifth Beatle", George Martin. Emphatic piano presence and engaging, raw drumming from Mr. Marshall hauntingly mimic the original artistry of Ringo Starr.

Needless to say, two trips in Mae's interest are warranted. The first is a trip to your nearest record store on August 14th, where you'll want to pick up their latest accomplishment, Singularity. The second is to the closest concert where they'll be playing.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."