Paul Spencer & The Maxines: Home
Coming on the heels of their sophomore release “Cut The Jive", 2008's “Either Sunset Or Sunrise" encounters Paul Spencer & The Maxines exploring new influences. Produced by Paul Opalach and featuring 5 brand new songs, this mostly acoustic EP opens with the whistle-y and anthemic "Whatever Forever And Ever", in which angst-ridden lines such as "Failure is liberating / You should try it sometime" are uttered with great effect by Spencer against a crescendo of guitars, much like the old 'Mats classic "Answering Machine". Maxines' guitarist Danny Soares is the man behind the fiery guitarwork on this song.
"Sunny Town For Shady People" arrives next, filled with a stoned-out vibe ("I get so high / I feel vertigo") and propelled by a very 60's Farfisa organ sound that recalls Doug Sahm's Sir Douglas Quintet. Maxines' drummer Bobby Soares supplies the tasteful and creative percussion work on this tune, while Mark Soares, who also created the EP cover, provides his usual top-notch bass skills and background vocals that so well serve the whole EP.
"Clara Bow" finds Paul Spencer & The Maxines further expanding their sound with a gorgeous string section that sweeps throughout the song. Written about the legendary 1920's silent movie actress ("The quintessential 'It' girl / Without a sound she'd steal every scene / But her life was a hell of a wind whirl / Behind the bright silver screen"), this is a tune rich in harmonies and clever wordplay.
The mellow, Americana-tinged "C'mon, Hurry Up And Wait" features a hooky chorus and a 12-String Rickenbacker (courtesy of workhorse producer Paul Opalach) that brings to mind The Byrds, while the mandolin-flavored "The Man With A 30 Second Memory" is a catchy, fun little ditty that makes you wish this EP was longer!
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SNOB'S MUSIC BLOG (8/17/08)
'You'll have it on a constant loop'
"I first got introduced to the sharp power pop of Paul Spencer & The Maxines by a Paste Magazine sampler CD and I was immediately struck by the almost flawless song craftsmanship of the track "No Regrets". It was just one of those songs that has you singing along the first time you hear the chorus.
Either Sunset Or Sunrise is the group's new EP and it sees them in a little more relaxed mode. The imagery of the title is apt, because this really does sound like Spencer and the guys strumming for fun around a campfire.
The songs are loose, yet very catchy. The band seems like they've used this as an opportunity to broaden their sound and try out some new things. We go rapidly from whistling to what I think are meracas to organ to cello to a country warbler to taking the piss in the blur of 5 songs. It's a testament to the songwriting that most of what they try really works. The songs are short and fun (particularly "Sunny Town For Shady People"). You'll have it on a constant loop." - Snob's Music Blog
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