New release Singularity is a solid follow-up for Mae

09/12/07 - The band Mae has graduated from indie label Tooth and Nail Records and taken the leap to major label, Capitol Records, with their newest Aug. 14 release entitled, Singularity.Mae's success seems to increase with each album they release. Their previous album The Everglow achieved impressive record sales with only the support of an Indie label. Now backed by major label support this might just be what Mae needs to push them into the mainstream.

If you've listened to Mae's previous releases, Singularity is nothing like you've heard before.

I can't lie, when I heard clips of these songs on their web site before the release, I was skeptical. It is a slight departure from their previous work, but after listening to the album in full, I was hooked. Singularity is one of the rare albums that you can listen to over and over again and still discover something new every time.

This is by far the most guitar-driven Mae record to date. The piano keys have been largely replaced by synth to create an interesting and more energetic sound. The piano seems to have lost some of its presence, but slower songs like "Just Let Go" bring back the classic Mae sound that they are known and loved for.

The album's first single, "Sometimes I Can't Make it Alone" defines the classic pop-rock radio-friendly tune. While it seems like it was tailored for radio airwaves, it is one of the weakest songs on the album in my opinion. While it is not a bad song by any means, it's just one of those songs you tend to skip over in favor of the other songs that follow.

"Just Let Go" is the first classic Mae ballad featured on Singularity. Lead singer Dave Elkins, who wrote the majority of the lyrics on the record, has a way with words. The image Elkins is able to paint is incredible.

One of the most interesting songs on the album is "Rocket." It starts off with drummer Jacob Marshall feverishly banging the snare drum and then breaks into an unusual tempo that is not usually heard in many songs. It works well though, and makes "Rocket" a stand out song.

The last song, "Reflections," closes out the album in a rather symbolic way. It was the perfect song to tie the album together. This song is slow and melodic with introspective lyrics to match. Elkins vocal ability is really showcased in this song.

Mae draws inspiration from alternative music of the '90s, and this influence has a definite presence throughout the album. One of the best things about this album is Mae's ability to interweave elements from their previous albums while creating something that is totally new. Singularity is an album that showcases their growth as individual musicians and as a band.

The album art in itself has a very interesting concept. It is simple, but intriguing, to look at, with lyrics and messages transcribed in Morse code. I tried to decode them but to no avail. However, I am told they are lyrics to some of the songs.

The album also features a bonus track, "Last Transmission II," and a hidden track titled "Last Transmission." But I won't ruin the experience of finding the hidden track for you. All I can say is it takes a bit of detective work to find.

This record is more than worth the $12 or so you may pay to buy it. It is an incredibly solid album, something that Mae should be very proud of.

Mae will be touring with Motion City Soundtrack this coming October, so be sure to check them out when they make a stop in the area on Nov. 11 at the Palladium in Worcester, Mass.