NEW EP RELEASE
maxime. - Harry Houdini
Encapsulating notions about the complexities of a relationship, maxime.’s latest release ‘Harry Houdini’ comprises a five track EP which pushes boundaries in the alternative pop genre with its subtle punk-rock influence. maxime. successfully conceptualises the idea of disillusionment, disenchantment and inevitable relationship breakdowns in love – with references to Houdini used creatively and tactfully.
The title track comes in with a bang and makes a clear statement with the use of blunt, direct lyricism stating “this isn’t what you want, he doesn’t have a heart leading you on like that”. Supported by a strong bassline and drum melody, the EP is introduced with the theatrics and flair that would be associated with a magician or stunt artist performer, immediately setting the tone for listeners about what is next to come.
This is followed by what feels like the peak of the album, with ‘The Life and Death Of A Dog’ which demonstrates impressive tempo and melody changes throughout. The sudden variation in tempo could be interpreted as sonic representations of ‘life’ and ‘death’, with ‘death’ using lighter sounding chord progressions and single string guitar solos for a dreamy and ethereal feel, and ‘life’ having heavier bass and ‘livelier’ rhythms. maxime.'s vocals on this track leans toward punk-rock, demonstrating their versatility as an artist to embody intensity and convey certain emotions and stories.
The use of guitar solos, riffs and melodies throughout the construction of the EP is notable and well thought out from maxime., as they utilise these to bring their story to life and clarify some of the mystery that lies within their lyrics. The contrast of sharp, heavy bass tones against lighter and freer sounding guitar solos suggests feelings of being torn whilst in love - feeling like fleeing despite being heavily invested - and how the artist attempts to navigate this headfirst.
Final track,‘Talk 2 Me,’ ties together the EP with a significantly slower tempo, ultimately echoing the feeling of disillusionment, magic fading away, and returning to reality after realising the fleeting nature of a relationship. Despite knowing this, maxime. demonstrates strength, still asking “call me when you’re done” even though the relationship feels doomed.
Sonically, lyrically and conceptually, the EP tells a brilliant story with sharp contrasts of passion, magic, and blunt truth, embellishing the story and moving the listener throughout these different phases with maxime.
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