Single Review: The Maine – 'Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu'

As of 2017 The Maine have officially been a band for 10 years, a big feat for any band in this day and age. They commemorated this recently by putting on the 8123 Festival in their hometown of Phoenix Arizona, a day they celebrated with friends including The Summer Set and a reunion performance from A Rocket to the Moon.

Something that is always striking about The Maine is their ability to change and adapt their sound on every record they put out while still retaining the formula that initially hooked fans in with debut album ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ back in 2008.

The band are currently preparing for the upcoming release of their sixth studio album ‘Lovely Little Lonely’ and have just released brand new single ‘Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu’.

Upon announcing ‘Lovely Little Lonely’ lead single ‘Bad Behaviour’ was released simultaneously. A light-hearted feel-good track that’s bound to get a crowd dancing.

‘Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu’ jumps straight in at a fast-pace with a colourful guitar melody, as soon as it kicks in you can almost taste the nostalgia. Once John O’ Callaghan’s vocals come in the track is similar to something you would have heard in the soundtrack to an early 2000’s teen film and, if you recall the soundtracks to the likes of She’s the Man and John Tucker Must Die, that can’t be a bad thing. The chorus however almost turns the song on its head, leaving just one guitar as O’ Callaghan’s vocals come shining through singing ‘I lose my voice when I look at you, can’t make a noise though I’m trying to’ before a quick rhythm on the high-hat is introduced the second time round and the beginning guitar riff comes crashing back in. Packed with infectious melodies, a compelling chorus and with O’ Callaghan’s lyricism being at the highest standard, if this track is anything to go by, ‘Lovely Little Lonely’ is going to be a phenomenal record.

If ‘Bad Behaviour’ hadn’t already ‘Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu’ just goes on to prove that The Maine are truly a band that you’ll never be able to pigeonhole. As they continue to evolve and develop their sound, with their fans supporting them every step of the way.

‘Lovely Little Lonely’ is set to be released on April 7^th and is currently available to pre-order at https://www.themaineband.com/

Single Review: Sainte ‘With or Without Me’

Since We Are The In Crowd announced that they were taking a break in February 2016, past members Tay Jardine (Vocals), Cameron Hurley (Guitars) and Mike Ferri (Bass) have formed brand new project SAINTE.

The three-piece outfit released debut single ‘Technicolor’ back in October. Accompanied by a colourful music video it seemed to have fans hooked immediately. With a huge pop sensibility, hints of electronic elements and an incredibly catchy chorus it’s easy to see why fans were eager to hear more.

After a long awaited few months, Jardine took to Instagram last Sunday to announce the premier of a new song on March 1^st, titled ‘With or Without Me’.

Kicking in with the electronic elements that had been previously introduced in ‘Technicolor’ you can tell you’re in for the same feel-good ride Sainte delivered with their debut single.

Once the verse lands Jardine’s vocals are immediately evocative of early P!NK material, an artist whom she has previously stated as a big influence. The chorus hits with a feisty vocal hook that grabs you instantly, accompanied by a sunny synth melody and vibrant harmonies.

Lyrically the track is quite the opposite of its predecessor, while ‘Technicolor’ has an almost giddy quality, that of the honeymoon phase in a new relationship, ‘With or Without Me’ showcases a defiant attitude towards a recent breakup. With Jardine declaring ‘When it’s over tell your friends that I’m a monster, I’ll be long gone, you’ll never be happy with or without me.’

Fans are now hoping for even more music and a chance to see the band live in the future and, from the basis of what we’ve heard so far, Sainte’s live show could shape up to be an incredibly fun time,

In a recent interview with Rock Sound Jardine admitted that she feels she can express herself naturally with Sainte and, from these two songs, it’s perfectly clear that she’s completely in her element.  

You can watch the new music video for ‘Without or Without Me’ here - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfhvLYHQXk

Keep up with Sainte on Facebook and Twitter -

https://www.facebook.com/sainteofficial/

https://twitter.com/saintesays?lang=en