Mae - (M)orning

[Gregory Robson]

Mae - (M)orning
Record Label: Cell Records
Release Date: April 19, 2009

What a strange two years it's been. In the early part of 2007, Tidewater-based quintet Mae had reached the pinnacle of their career. Newly minted to Capitol Records, the band was set to release their major-label debut Singularity, after six years as emo-indie favorites and three records that sold more than a quarter-million copies. While preparing for the release of Singularity, the band also toured amphitheaters and arenas supporting The Fray on their How to Save a Life tour. And then suddenly, rather unexpectedly the bottom dropped out. A month after Singularity's release, longtime keyboardist Rob Sweitzer and founding bassist Mark Padgett left the band and a few months later, the band parted ways with Capitol Records, despite having one album left on their contract. How had it all come apart?

Ever resilient, lead singer, founding member and chief songwriter Dave Elkins holed away at home in the Tidewater and spent time refocusing and reworking the direction of Mae. With the help of drummer Jacob Marshall and guitarist Zach Gehring the trio put together what would become a year-long songwriting project with proceeds benefitting a Habitat for Humanity project in Norfolk. Using the DIY, pay-what-you want formula, the project took shape in January of 2009. The end result is their eight-song EP (M)orning, the first of three EPs to be released this year. And while it feels wrong to say this, if this truly is the best music Mae has to offer, the future is decidedly bleak.

Beginning with the jazzy improvisational instrumental "Good (M)orning," the disc begins rather awkwardly and airy. That tempo shifts quickly on "The Fisherman Song (All We Need is Love)," a nine-minute opus about love, faith, devotion and doubt that begins with just Elkins and his acoustic guitar and builds up to cacophonous, prog-rock heights. The firestorm of sound is both unexpected and impressive, but a near nine-minute opener, seriously? Third track, "The House That Fire Built," sounds like a combination of their last two studio efforts and while it has a strong vocal hook, inspired guitar lines and uplifting lyrics, it meanders into near seven-minute territory and again begs the question, what exactly is going on here? Since when did Mae become Rush?

The return to their comfort zone on fourth track "Boomerang," sounds an awful lot like a Singularity b-side and is probably the most catchy of the first three songs offered. "Boomerang" biggest problem though is the lackluster lyrics ("In the back of mind, I could always feel you push and pull away"). Plus, who wants to hear another song from Singularity. Wasn't twelve enough? Another jazzy instrumental, "Two Birds" follows and it's replete with horns, flutes, guitars and a healthy dose of loops. Sure enough it's one of the album's brightest spots. Completely daring, unconventional and unexpected, "Two Birds" is the kind of endeavor one should expect from Mae by now and exactly the kind of direction one hopes the band pursues going forward.

"A Melody, A Memory," is a tepid offering with more overly romantic and peace-endorsing words from Elkins that has all the right intentions but just fails to deliver. Penultimate track, "Night/Day," is a slow lamentation that's forlorn and pensive and finds Elkins, Padgett and Gehring at their absolute best. To be quite honest, it just may be the band's best work since The Everglow. That it comes at the end of the album though is a bit too upsetting. (M)orning ends with the disc's third instrumental, "(M)orning Drive," another inspired effort that's commendable but not entirely the stuff of legends.

The main problem with (M)orning is that it feels shallow and tinny. Whereas the band's last three studio efforts featured layers and dense compositions that provided meaty, sonic textures, (M)orning sounds hollow, thin and awkward. With the exception of "The Fisherman's Song," there's never any pomp and substance offered here. In essence, it feels more like a Dave Elkins solo album than it does a collaborative effort. And while this lack of sonic texture is due in part to Sweitzer and Padgett's absence, plenty of trios are able to convey a wall of sound with only three members.

Mae certainly deserves credit for sticking through a large chunk of adversity. Such problems have often led to the demise of many bands, and that Marshall, Gehring and Elkins weathered it all is worth embracing. And while the band continues to show an incessant ability to mix benevolence with musicianship, nothing can take away from the fact that (M)orning is an absolute letdown. The second offering, (A)fternoon is due out later this year and one can only hope it's far better than this.

1. Good (M)orning
2. The Fisherman's Song
3. The House That Fire Built
4. Two Birds
5. Boomerang
6. A Melody, A Memory
7. Night/Day
8. (M)orning Drive

90s guitar rock, jazzy instrumentals, Singularity, 1960s free love sentiments, and imitator prog-rock

Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/mae)
Website (http://www.whatismae.com)

[funtasticrich]

this ep is excellent

[Facemelter42]

Disagree with this review. this ep is fantastic. more than fantastic actually. And they can pull it off even better live. I saw them in chicago a couple weeks ago and it was the tightest and most emotional shiow ive ever seen. MAE is better now than ever

[digitalkid]

Since when did Mae become Rush?

You say that like there is something wrong with it, when there obviously is nothing wrong with it. "The Fisherman Song" is the best song Mae has ever done btw

[derekmoyer4]

this review missed the mark. i think this ep is rather solid and they are improving as a band after singularity.

[S9Dallasoz]

Most had issues with Singularity, I didn't have many issues with it.
Not sold on the EP yet though.

[kittypants]

Boomerang is the absolute worst song on the album. Singularity was horrible. This EP is pretty good!

[oncedarkness]

This review seems to be the opposite of what other AP users think of the EP. I think that it is close to the Everglow in greatness and I couldn't be happier with the fresh start that the band has taken. Personally, I was delighted that the songs were as long as they were because it made the EP worth the money and never once do I think that the band is just wasting around in their musical interludes. The Fisherman Song had a lengthy story to tell and if it was shorter, it would have been robbed of its quality and depth. All in all, the epic sound of this EP could not be possible without the extensive song lengths. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again.

[Gregory Robson]

Most had issues with Singularity, I didn't have many issues with it.
Not sold on the EP yet though.
Thank God somebody understands.

[xjamesax]

I haven't stopped listening to this EP since I got it. I think it has been their best material since The Everglow.

[MattRM]

Ouch. Coming after Singularity, this is anything but a letdown.

[S9Dallasoz]

Thank God somebody understands.
I think "Home" is an overlooked Mae gem. "Sometimes..." & "Brink of Disaster" are worthy tracks as well.
/opinion.

[Kbm600]

This EP is amazing. One of my tops of this year.

[carramrod2005]

I love this EP

[allisterkid]

Honestly I think this is tiers above Singularity. Maybe I have to give Singularity another chance cause I didn't enjoy it at all, but that was on about 3 or 4 total listens. This EP grabbed me right away.

[crypticv24]

I've always thought the high points of Singularity were excellent. My problem with it is that the album had some pretty low points, like "On Top", "Waiting", and "Release Me". D:B and The Everglow didn't have low points.

That said, (M)orning has gotten me back into Mae like I haven't been since The Everglow came out. Excellent EP, IMO.

[doppelganger]

i liked this ep.

[Loch_Doun]

bad review.
fantastic EP.
for an EP it's everything you could ask for...
an EP hasn't been done this well since JEW - Stay on My Side Tonight

[Blake Solomon]

i was more than happy to donate money to their cause as my uncle is very involved with H4H, however after a few listens this album lost its luster. I do really like "the house that fire built," though.

I definitely understand your problems with this one. Maybe it's Dave voice that I can't stomach anymore, who knows.

[ZeoVGM]

There was some good stuff on Singularity, and I defended it for a while, but it just had zero lasting power.

[whenyourseansto]

fishermans song is not just maes best song! but the best song written in a while!
who ever wrote this ep... open up your ears! MAE ARE TAKING OVER!!! this ep is amazing!
and layers?!?!
you say it lack layers?!?!
you're eartarded dude!!!
listen to it with some head phones or some common sense!
the end! i give it 8.9 out of 10

[jusscali]

I can see your point about it not being as layered or filled out as say the Everglow, but I think that's only because they are engineering things themselves. However, I disagree with most of the review. Something tells me that Afternoon is going to have the same production issues that you make mention of here, but the songs just won't be as good.

[Gregory Robson]

i was more than happy to donate money to their cause as my uncle is very involved with H4H, however after a few listens this album lost its luster. I do really like "the house that fire built," though.

I definitely understand your problems with this one. Maybe it's Dave voice that I can't stomach anymore, who knows.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[batmannj]

Excellent review, I did like this quite a bit more than Singularity, but I can't argue with any of the points made in that review.

[DanielJames]

The Everglow is one of my all-time favorite records and Singularity had some high points. With that said, this EP has a bit of both previous records tied into it. While the EP doesn't blow me away like The Everglow did, I think it's a step in the right direction and I can't wait for the next two EP's.

[Gregory Robson]

The Everglow is one of my all-time favorite records and Singularity had some high points. With that said, this EP has a bit of both previous records tied into it. While the EP doesn't blow me away like The Everglow did, I think it's a step in the right direction and I can't wait for the next two EP's.
I agree with all points.

[Gregory Robson]

Excellent review, I did like this quite a bit more than Singularity, but I can't argue with any of the points made in that review.
Thank you. I do agree. Better than Singularity, but not their best.

[11:11]

Not their best work, but it makes me glad to say "I'm a fan" again.

[Anton Djamoos]

Singularity is unfairly bashed.

[fightinirish217]

Singularity is unfairly bashed.
Yea I mean it wasn't horrible, it was just such a letdown after their previous work. I mean, not much beat The Everglow.

As for this EP, I really love what Mae has done so far this year. The Fisherman Song is definitely one of the best songs they've ever made.

[batmannj]

Thank you. I do agree. Better than Singularity, but not their best.
Agreed. It's hard to follow an act like The Everglow
Singularity is unfairly bashed.
I think that the reason for that is that it's hard to put their first two releases out of mind while listening to it. On its own I don't mind it, but it's hard for me to listen to that record if I've listened to D:B or Everglow recently. I don't know though, that could be just me.

[klawansie7]

I haven't stopped listening to this EP since I got it. I think it has been their best material since The Everglow.
this.

[thecobrakais]

this ep is incredible if you ask me. i've been a fan of mae for a very long time and they have yet to release anything disappointing to me. in fact, this ep is up there with some of their best work and the fact that they did it all themselves is even more impressive. i applaud their efforts and will continue listening to this ep for years to come.

[thecobrakais]

Thank God somebody understands.
just out of curiosity, how many times do you usually listen to an album before you review it?

[on a frequency]

i've gotten into like a million discussions with everyone on whether or not singularity was actually good. i really am still not sold on it (it's been years)... i honestly think it was their weakest release to date. it was such a strange direction for them to take... it wasn't progress in my eyes; it sounded so unnatural, like they were forcing themselves to try new styles for the sake of being interesting while disregarding the fact that solidity in those styles was out of their reach. i think it was their attempt at mainstream success, which didn't work out. it was ok, but having seen that they could do so much better, i was let down. so i haven't heard this ep yet, but from what i hear it seems to me that this is them trying to rework their sound, redefine it and get back to what they do better (more melodic and unique instrumental arrangements, more than just a rock hit like what i think they tried to achieve with singularity).

i'll give it a listen and i'll be back.

[djsclaus]

This review makes the EP sound so disappointing, but I found it to be quite enjoyable

[Gregory Robson]

just out of curiosity, how many times do you usually listen to an album before you review it?
Six or seven. At most 10 or 11. At few, three or four. I gave this EP six chances.
By the seventh spin, this review came out. Sorry you don't like it.

[DanielJames]

Singularity is unfairly bashed.
I agree, but it just doesn't compare to The Everglow and I think that's why it gets bashed the way it does. Everything about The Everglow was so planned out, from the song sequence to even the artwork. The fact that they put so much work and attention into the smallest details is what makes that album so great. To me, Singularity felt like Mae were trying to force out a sound that just wasn't them. It did have some good tracks though.

[on a frequency]

I agree, but it just doesn't compare to The Everglow and I think that's why it gets bashed the way it does. Everything about The Everglow was so planned out, from the song sequence to even the artwork. The fact that they put so much work and attention into the smallest details is what makes that album so great. To me, Singularity felt like Mae were trying to force out a sound that just wasn't them. It did have some good tracks though.
exaaactly.

[Kid Defender]

Wow I am pretty shocked at this review. After all of the love it has gotten not just from users but from some staff members, I was expecting a much high rating and a better review. I'll say like some others on here that I completely disagree with the review and I honestly don't understand some of your points. However, you're entitled to your own opinion and I won't argue with you. It's just weird to see something that I think so highly of get a rough review. I think the EP is perfect and Boomerang is tied for my favorite song along with the house that fire built.

For the record, I think that singularity is Maes best disc.

[Bo Eberle]

this is one of the best releases of the year, mae has recovered from singularity im gonna have to respectfully vehemently disagree with the review, this stuff is excellent

[thedesperate]

(m)orning is the greatest thing mae has done. this review was honest, but bias. I love mae, and I'm so happy to see so many people agree that this work is their finest...

singularity is great to me now after 2 years of neglegting to aknowledge it. then they played just let go and on top at a live show, and i was impressed. i went back and listened to singularity with an open mind, and it has become actually my favorite mae cd second to morning. which leads me to the conclusion, Mae only gets better. they have never truly let me down, i only fooled myself into thinking they had sold out.

mae only gets better.

[xName Takenx]

I think Reflections is the best song Mae has written since The Everglow. That being said the EP isn't bad, isn't good; worthy of a handful of listens.

I thought I remember Dave saying that the (e)vening ep is going to be their most exciting & familiar for fans, so i'm pretty excited for that..

[on a frequency]

it's alright. maybe i have to listen to it a couple more times.

[imtimwhoareyou]

Wow, this band sure has created a nice little rift in its fan base after the last two releases... I've only heard two songs off this, but I loved "A Melody, The Memory." I'm going to buy this because I've enjoyed all their music, despite the ways it has changed over the years.

Thanks for the honest review, though. I wouldn't want it sugarcoated if I find it to be as bad as you did.

[blindrider529]

I don't agree with a lot of the review. This EP is brilliant. I think this is Mae's best work to date. The songs are beautiful and creative and clearly show the talents of every member of the band. I have absolutely no beef with any of the song lengths, mainly because the songs are done SO well. I don't even want The Fisherman Song to end.

One of the highlights for me is Dave Elkins voice. The vocals for this EP are a massive improvement from anything Mae has ever done in my opinion. It really sounds like Dave focused a lot on improving his vocal technique and I think it paid off in a huge way.

This EP is EASILY on the same level as or higher than Destination:Beautiful, The Everglow and Singularity. It combines the best of Mae's sound(s) and explored some new creative territory.

[thecobrakais]

Six or seven. At most 10 or 11. At few, three or four. I gave this EP six chances.
By the seventh spin, this review came out. Sorry you don't like it.
oh no, i thought the review was fine. i never mentioned not liking it. i know not everyone is going to like the same music, and i'm ok with that. i was just curious to know what process you guys take before writing your reviews. because i know for me, it always takes several listens of an album to form an opinion.

[bassdrummer2333]

Great EP!

[denissuxx]

I've yet to listen to this enough to form my own opinion, but I listened to The Everglow the other day. Still an amazing record.

[sleepingatlast]

Personally I disagree with this review. I think it is a huge step in the right direction. I don't think it is perfect and I still prefer Destination Beautiful and The Everglow better. However, you have to remember this is an EP written month to month so the continuity isn't going to be there. But these songs are so solid albeit a little more stripped down than I would like. I think the loss of the keyboardist has really hurt MAE from achieving what they could. Keys were so important to the feel of The Everglow. Either way I was very disappointed with what they did with Singularity, although it wasn't quite as bad as people said. The House that Fire Built was so encouraging to hear. I hope they put out a full length soon. and get a another keyboardist.

[Ryzenfall]

The Everglow is one of my all-time favorite records and Singularity had some high points. With that said, this EP has a bit of both previous records tied into it. While the EP doesn't blow me away like The Everglow did, I think it's a step in the right direction and I can't wait for the next two EP's.
Pretty much. I think this EP is still worth buying though.

[combatchuckaa]

Mae is putting out the best music I've heard from them in years. Gotta disagree with the review :/

[littlebeav]

I'm not mad at you, but I don't like this review. I pitied Singularity and all of its fans, but this is a step back. Which to me, is a step forward. I think this is far from the best MAE has to offer, and in fact, can argue many songs from previous releases that were better. I think its the natural degradation that comes with an EP, overcoming adversity, and losing core members. Another thing to think about is this: when material for an EP is NOT released, but used in conjunction with other material it can lead to a more cohesive and solid album. But then you wouldn't have all the B-sides.

Whether they release and album or not, props to MAE for releasing material that they could have just hid or shelved. In the end, its not that I don't hear what you're saying, I just think a 9 minute opener IS awesome and even more so because people like you don't like it. The song is solid, and to kick things off with it, might be weird, but if you understood the biblical connections to it, and the connotations to the morning, afternoon, evening them that they are doing then I think it makes perfect sense.

MAE was never about just music. Its the Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience. And part of that experience comes with understanding their mindset and reason for some of their songs.

Anyways. I didn't mean to ramble and I hope you know I'm not picking on you, I just felt this EP was worthy of at least an 80+. I guess what I find quality and what others find quality doesn't always equal the same score?

[Paradoxxxxx]

Honestly, your review sucked!
(M)orning was amazing
The fisherman song was by far the most amazing song they have ever made.
I loved singularity as well, it was an amazing album.
(M)orning is by far, the most amazing EP ever!

[Rob Hrx]

All the songs I've heard on their site have been great, and haven't even listened to Singularity yet. Colour me intrigued...

[nebs19]

why did you give it such a high mark when you didnt like it at all, 71 percent doesnt seem like an an absolute letdown to me???

[buried_]

haha greg are you serious?

I feel like this ep brings out the best of Mae. It's even more amazing that they can pull this off right after a horrible flop like "Singularity". Unlike their label mates Emery, I think that this ep shows that they can still make great music in a scene that is challenging this genre's relevance.

plus, it doesn't make sense how you rate this ep 71%, and then you claim in your review that it was "an absolute letdown".

[buried_]

I'm not mad at you, but I don't like this review. I pitied Singularity and all of its fans, but this is a step back. Which to me, is a step forward. I think this is far from the best MAE has to offer, and in fact, can argue many songs from previous releases that were better. I think its the natural degradation that comes with an EP, overcoming adversity, and losing core members. Another thing to think about is this: when material for an EP is NOT released, but used in conjunction with other material it can lead to a more cohesive and solid album. But then you wouldn't have all the B-sides.

Whether they release and album or not, props to MAE for releasing material that they could have just hid or shelved. In the end, its not that I don't hear what you're saying, I just think a 9 minute opener IS awesome and even more so because people like you don't like it. The song is solid, and to kick things off with it, might be weird, but if you understood the biblical connections to it, and the connotations to the morning, afternoon, evening them that they are doing then I think it makes perfect sense.

MAE was never about just music. Its the Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience. And part of that experience comes with understanding their mindset and reason for some of their songs.

Anyways. I didn't mean to ramble and I hope you know I'm not picking on you, I just felt this EP was worthy of at least an 80+. I guess what I find quality and what others find quality doesn't always equal the same score?
i like this post. Can absolutepunk make the "like" option just like facebook does please?

[patpratt]

Completely disagree with this. One of my favorite of the year so far.

[DandonTRJ]

This review confuses me. Mostly the editorial remarks. You seem to nail the descriptions of the songs, along with the reasons I like them, but then toss in inexplicably detrimental comments that don't seem to negate, in my mind, the positives you just described. "Great song with a great build, but why so long? Minus ten points." I'm exaggerating for effect, but that's the impression I get.

I'm a big fan of this EP, obviously. I feel like Mae have recaptured some of that honesty and brightness from their first album, but the songwriting has markedly matured since then. Elkins has a rollicking sort of composing style that dips and turns everywhere, but always feels cohesive to me. I definitely think this effort tops Singularity and might even tie D:B with a few more listens.

But The Everglow is my Bible, and I'm still waiting for something to match it. Until then, this'll do.

[Badgers08]

Gotta disagree with this review. The critique on a lot of the songs is WAY too harsh. This EP is absolutely fantastic and doesn't remind me of Singularity at all. Definitely looking forward to the other 2 EP's later this year.

[Badgers08]

This review confuses me. Mostly the editorial remarks. You seem to nail the descriptions of the song, along with the reasons I like them, but then toss in inexplicably detrimental comments that don't seem to negate, in my mind, the positives you just described. "Great song with a great build, but why so long? Minus ten points." Obviously I'm exaggerating for effect, but that's the impression I get.

I'm a big fan of this EP, obviously. I feel like they're recaptured some of that honesty and brightness from their first album, but the songwriting has markedly matured since then. Elkins has a rollicking sort of composing style that dips and turns everywhere, but always feels cohesive to me. I definitely think this effort tops Singularity and might even tie D:B with a few more listens.

But The Everglow is my Bible, and I'm still waiting for something to match it. Until then, this'll do.
Completely agree with this :thumbup:

[davidarechiga]

Disagree with this review. this ep is fantastic. more than fantastic actually. And they can pull it off even better live. I saw them in chicago a couple weeks ago and it was the tightest and most emotional shiow ive ever seen. MAE is better now than ever

I totally agree with this! Great EP guys.

[muttley]

I regret not picking up a copy when these guys played in May.

[dru]

I loved Singularity...I don't know why so many brushed it off. Sure it wasn't as fast-paced as their previous records, but it was definitely a solid record with good lyrics. I think Mae has always been progressing and I loved all of their records.

[imtimwhoareyou]

I regret not picking up a copy when these guys played in May.

Unless it's a different copy, you can pick it up on their online store.

[Kid Defender]

I also just noticed that the you seem to have an issue with the length of one or more of the songs on this disc. That leads me to believe(only guessing) that maybe you don't fully appreciate this kind of music/genre seeing as many great bands that have influenced mae or are similar in sound have very lengthy sounds. I could be completely wrong there, but I would think that if you're a fan of the whole prog rock/experimental genre, you might have encountered a long tune or two.

[saysmydoctor]

No Slade?

[chillinlikebob]

Yeah, I think this EP is great!

[Scuba Chris]

This is an excellent EP and I think the future is bright for Mae.
Weak review... ps-how do you give them 71% if you dislike it so much?

[boscorelli]

a melody, a memory is one of their all time better songs...boomerang one of their worst. think you missed the mark here.

[raycosm]

"A Melody, A Memory" being overly romantic was my favorite part! That's what most of The Everglow was, wasn't it? Hell, I'd even say he's talking about The Everglow for a few seconds ("Can you hear the piano/and the pulse of the drums/does the tune and the groove bring you back to our love?"). If he's not talking about The Everlglow, then I'm going to write some fanfiction about it and make him mean it. This song freaking owns, unintentional fanservice or not. This sappy, sickeningly romantic piece is my favorite song since The Everglow.

I'm with the other people who agree to disagree about agreeing with this disagreeable review. I'd love to see a more positive review, but I can't blame you, when I clicked on this review I got what was expected: someone else's opinion. And that's why I don't look at reviews much, although it is fun when I see the music I like being liked by others like me. At least I can still find that in the discussion.

[John JD Dorian]

where can i get this EP?

[Ohlax51]

I am not a fan of Mae, however how this gets a worse score than ATL and their band of big name cowriters (I mean "producers", sorry) is beyond me. It seems like you can get away with anything that goes a against originality, integrity, etc. in the name of making "fun summer music".

[brenByah]

I didn't feel that the EP was a letdown. It's definitely different than their previous releases, but I enjoyed it.

[MusicScoutJustn]

This album was incredible.

There is nothing wrong with longer songs, and if you've noticed, they are able to tell much more of a story when given the canvas to do so. The Everglow was a great album because of the story it told, and they are tracing back to their roots.

Mae is a better band having left Capitol Records.

[oncedarkness]

Thank you, I'm glad I'm not the only one that loved the long songs.

[imtimwhoareyou]

where can i get this EP?

www.whatismae.com

[ezco25]

i love how reviewers focus 6 paragraphs on the negatives of albums but they only focus 2 lines at most on the positive...

[tommyhaych]

I'm happy that most are saying that this meets the mark of Everglow. Singularity was a poor album.

[n1asfan]

i still need to listen to this so badly

[Laburnum]

This is a good EP, in my opinion a whole lot better than their last effort.

[baton]

the review distracted me a little - i'm on my first listen and i love it, i understand your point, but i'm glad others like it too, cause this is really good they're still making music, and the concept with those eps is pretty interesting to me ;)
i think that if they would want to create a bigger wall of sound they wouldn't have a problem, this is just about the loss of few members, production, and their own direction.. i like it though

[trebmal]

You say that like there is something wrong with it, when there obviously is nothing wrong with it. "The Fisherman Song" is the best song Mae has ever done btw
agreed.

[littlebeav]

i like this post. Can absolutepunk make the "like" option just like facebook does please?
I appreciate it. I certainly wasn't trying to hate. I just really felt that this review deserved some good press. I found out about it (the EP) on accident. Great band and I'm excited they're not releasing Singularity again.

[zubinmoosa]

This EP is fantastic, such a great effort from Mae

[O11Y]

Sorry to add to the growing discontent but Singularity was a really terrible record; made all the worse by the fact that it followed after The Everglow. From what I've heard of this EP I'm really enjoying it. They seem to have moved back towards "Destination Beautiful" territory which is a very good thing in my opinion.

[crypticv24]

"A Melody, A Memory" being overly romantic was my favorite part! That's what most of The Everglow was, wasn't it? Hell, I'd even say he's talking about The Everglow for a few seconds ("Can you hear the piano/and the pulse of the drums/does the tune and the groove bring you back to our love?"). If he's not talking about The Everlglow, then I'm going to write some fanfiction about it and make him mean it. This song freaking owns, unintentional fanservice or not. This sappy, sickeningly romantic piece is my favorite song since The Everglow.

I'm with the other people who agree to disagree about agreeing with this disagreeable review. I'd love to see a more positive review, but I can't blame you, when I clicked on this review I got what was expected: someone else's opinion. And that's why I don't look at reviews much, although it is fun when I see the music I like being liked by others like me. At least I can still find that in the discussion.
I LOVED how they referenced The Everglow in The House That Fire Built, when Dave says "I finally feel the warmth of the Everglow." At first I thought they were saying "inner glow", but once I figured it out I listened to it again, and it gave me chills. Almost completely changed the song for me. In short, agreed - I thought the lyrics on this album were perhaps the best Mae has penned yet.

[SilenceBrokenTT]

COMPLETELY disagree with this review...

[Fin.]

This is easily the best thing they've done since The Everglow. It possibly even surpasses it. Couldn't disagree more with this review. I recommend everyone who hasn't already heard the EP, get it and check it out. I don't understand how anyone could dislike it.

[Blake Solomon]

I also just noticed that the you seem to have an issue with the length of one or more of the songs on this disc. That leads me to believe(only guessing) that maybe you don't fully appreciate this kind of music/genre seeing as many great bands that have influenced mae or are similar in sound have very lengthy sounds. I could be completely wrong there, but I would think that if you're a fan of the whole prog rock/experimental genre, you might have encountered a long tune or two.

This is certainly not experimental or prog- rock.

[Stankewich]

I think I am the only person in the world that thought Suspension was one of the greatest songs ever. Did that ever explode radio waves? I was positive it could have been played on every radio station in the world... powerful, but enough 'pop' to give it mass appeal. no?

[Kid Defender]

This is certainly not experimental or prog- rock.

The band in general is an experimental band in my opinion.

[emoboy]

shit review this is a really good EP.

[lonelysuperstar]

Just listening to the fisherman song now on the rec's of people here and it's great. If the production were better, this would be one of Mae's best songs. They're back baby!

[Gregory Robson]

Just listening to the fisherman song now on the rec's of people here and it's great. If the production were better, this would be one of Mae's best songs. They're back baby!
Agreed, but that's a big if.

[lonelysuperstar]

Agreed, but that's a big if.
Yes, it certainly stops me from enjoying the new songs as much as I enjoy The Everglow. But musically, it's a step back in the right direction.

[Gregory Robson]

Yes, it certainly stops me from enjoying the new songs as much as I enjoy The Everglow. But musically, it's a step back in the right direction.
Agreed. It most definitely is.

[simonbelmont]

This is the most disappointing review I have read on here in a LONG while so disappointing I decided to get a username and complain about it....this guy obviously has no idea what he is talking about when it comes to MAE's body of work......he totally praised them for their work on the instrumental track "two birds" okay it's a decent track and does add positive marks to the ep as a whole, but it nowhere near should improve the totality of the review itself....i mean holy crap! why is the percentage so stinking high?!?! he lambasted the band and the body of work presented in the ep 93% of the way through. That should really translate to a rating no higher the the 50 percentile mark. This guy obviously pounded this review out as quickly as possible, because it is very much thoughtless. Mr. Robson, don't quit your day job, because I wouldn't trust your review of a paper clip.......btw (m)orning is beautiful with what it represents....the band has really done something selfless here and it reflects the evergrowing maturity and staying power from the best damned band to come out of Virginia Beach (in my opinion at least) MAE!! 91% out of 100%

[Chris Fallon]

Singularity is unfairly bashed.
Yeah, gotta agree. Mae hasn't done much to disappoint me, but this EP is merely alright. Could use a little something extra to push it over the edge for me.

[PenThrive]

Excellent EP.

[dru]

love this ep.

[bmw06g]

this review seems very off...

i appreciate the criticisms i guess?

the ep blew my mind. if you cannot listen to a song for more than five minutes to appreciate it's value, that's your thing, not mae's. i miss the piano a lot for sure, but their guitarmanship seems to improve greatly on (m)orning.

just saw them in texas last weekend. brilliant.

[Breathoffire]

This is certainly not experimental or prog- rock.
So you're the almighty who's who in the music genre naming business? While I completely disagree with the review, you're certainly entitled to your own opinion but that was just a dumb statement.