Mae Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Virginia alt-rockers Mae run the risk of being lumped in with other genre "positivists" such as Relient K and Switchfoot, but based on the aptly named Singularity, that would be a mistake, as the LP sets them apart as pop perfectionists who are able to synthesize bright melodic hooks and rock muscle into a guitar pop perfection that is (yes) singular. This is a lively, octane-fueled, and hook-ridden album that yields up all kinds of power pop delights. Producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, the All American Rejects) couches the group's gift for melodic invention in dynamic cloudbursts of guitars, from the limber, energetic wallop of modern rock that is "Brink of Disaster" to the tough but pretty "Crazy 8s." Both of those are very good songs -- and there are lots of tracks of that caliber here -- but in other spots the songs reach into the rarer stratosphere of gorgeous, love-rock perfection. "Just Let Go" is such a track, a timeless blend of wheeling guitars, lush beds of vocal harmonies, and a spine-tingling chorus. "Rocket" shows a more aggressive side of the group, with the guitars gunning more live Velvet Revolver than Switchfoot. But even this stance is undercut by some hooky flourishes and bright keyboard twinkles, and Singularity is clear evidence that Mae has evolved into an excellent rock band, one that never sacrifices beauty or songcraft in the face of big guitars. ~ Erik Hage, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Mae's pensive, pretty sounding, piano-steered opener, "We're So Far Away," is sure to make swooning emo chicks and fans of Ben Folds get all tingly, but it's a misleading way to christen The Everglow. Still disciples of roaring, commercial-sounding modern rock with an ambiguous message -- from Jimmy Eat World to Relient K to Copeland -- will be relieved that Dave Elkins and Co. are quick to turn it up a notch and bring out the anthems as expected. From the airwave-ready "Someone Else's Arms" to the buoyant "Suspension" and on to the infectiously poppy "Breakdown," Mae is hard to dismiss and even harder to dislike. In fact, music of this ilk rarely sounds better or can be more effectively visualized. Come to think of it, "This Is the Countdown" just may be the most rollicking, immediate, lovelorn pop song in recent memory. Despite its unusual albeit palatable start, The Everglow is a shining moment in modern rock. ~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide
'Destination: Beautiful'
Release Date 2/25/2003
Tracks 11
Label Tooth & Nail
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Destination: Beautiful is an earnest and honest expression from the New England five-piece Mae. Honed on classics of the 1980s (the Police, Depeche Mode, U2), Mae's confidence soars throughout the entire 11-song track listing, going for large soundscapes of layered guitars and rolling percussion. They're a bit too brash to be exclusively pop, but not fully downhearted enough to be emo. Mae has crafted an album that's simply enjoyable and enjoyably simple. Simple works. Frontman David Elkins is boyishly charming while being self-deprecating on "Sun" and the edgy "Soundtrack for Our Movie." His bandmates provide a solid backing instrumentation, never giving Destination: Beautiful a chance to calm down. Other standout tracks, such as the sugar-charged "Embers and Envelopes" and the punchy "Runaway," reflect Mae's musical sincerity -- and such a task is difficult when making a first album. Mae is a bunch of humble guys who made something that feels good, with no distractions. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
