Maverick Smith have always been a band unafraid to blur the lines. Known for their electrifying, live-recorded presence that defies easy categorisation, they’re a band who refuse to take shortcuts, doing everything they can to deliver an authentic experience.
After their critically acclaimed debut, 'With Friends and Imperfections', set a high bar, they've wasted no time igniting their next chapter in their blossoming career. Their latest offering, 'We Make Fire They Make Smoke', lands less than a year after its predecessor, offering a new collection of tracks that is sure to cement the band’s reputation for restless creativity and immersive soundscapes.
Even after just an initial listen, it’s clear the album is a masterclass in weaving together disparate influences into a cohesive, emotional journey. Throughout the nine tracks, you’ll find echoes of '90s alternative and the punchy energy of 2000s power pop and punk, all filtered through the hazy textures of shoegaze, the expansive feel of psychedelic rock, and even the earnest storytelling of folk. Recorded at Aardvark Studios, just a stone's throw from their Weirton, WV base, and produced by Boynes alongside long-time collaborator Dan Bozek, the album feels wonderfully raw and immediate, creating a visceral connection that permeates every track.
Together, the nine original tracks offer a compelling showcase of the band’s versatility. The alt-pop ballad 'Sinking Feeling' perfectly opens the record, showcasing their tempered indie rock sensibilities, where gentle strings beautifully underscore Paige Bosic’s soaring vocals. Similarly, 'Open Up Your Mind' wraps the listener in a dreamy, string-laced warmth, while 'So What Who Cares' delivers a satisfying alt-country stomp.
For those craving more bite, 'Feel It Back' and 'Keep Me Up' unleash waves of heavy guitar and driving percussion, conjuring a nostalgic early 2000s rock vibe seamlessly blended with '90s indie and pop-punk ferocity. 'Mary Lou', featuring a searing opening riff and a guest spot from Ken Stringfellow, strikes a particularly sharp chord of nostalgia. Tracks like 'Imposter Syndrome' and 'Too Smart Too Dumb' stand out for their reflective tenderness, proving Maverick Smith's knack for crafting rich, textured soundscapes.
As vocalist and songwriter Paige Bosic puts it, "This album is real and raw with the lyrical elements to the instrumentals. We all put our heart and soul into 'We Make Fire, They Make Smoke' and from track 1 to track 9, you can feel it. Creatively, this album brought me out of my shell and I’m excited for everyone to hear it."
Despite proudly displaying their rust belt roots, Maverick Smith’s sound is undeniably universal. 'We Make Fire They Make Smoke' is a rare record that navigates multiple musical worlds with an uncompromised voice, built on genuine emotion and a commitment to live performance. It’s an album that resonates long after the final note, further solidifying Maverick Smith’s place as an exciting and authentic voice in contemporary rock.
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