22 Dec 2024
Max Jax Relax - EP Review: Max Jax Relax
23 Oct 2018 // A review by J_Plates
Wellington based 3-piece Max Jax Relax debut two moody, stripped back productions oozing melancholy beyond their years. Taking a less is more approach, their first release gives the listener a solid prelude into what the lads are all about.
Still Here stands out as the stronger of the two tracks; its instrumentation kept to a minimum creating space for the vocals to breathe. Loosely double tracked verses verge on breaking out at any moment in an almost Grime like fashion, while lyrical content evokes imagery of a smoke-filled garage party all but disbanded by the early hours of the morning.
Lie To Me shifts gears slightly but retains a familiar bop and bounce that’s set up during the intro. It’s easy to imagine this particular track being a popular sing-a-long with a live audience; its graspable, reverbed soaked vocals adding to the backbone of the groove in a pleasing way.
Although future releases should be welcomed and anticipated from the MJR gang, there’s a hint of restrain to the way in which these tracks have been executed and it would be great to see a more in-depth expansion into the framework they are no doubt setting up for themselves.
Rating:
( 4 / 5 )
About Max Jax Relax
Max ‘Max’ McAlpine, from Nelson, brings to the table an experience of jazz melodies and chordal structures alongside avant garde percussive sounds to glue the entirety of the band together. With Max, comes Jackson ‘Jax’ Plumpton from Napier, bringing thoughtfully catching keyboard and vocal melodies with an American pop punk style into the band. Robbie ‘Relax’ Mulligan brings ideas of Blues, Rock and Dub into the mix. Jumping on the bass, guitar and vocals on these few songs he is both the rock which grounds the music as well as the sprinkle of soul which adds that little extra on top of Max Jax Relax.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Max Jax Relax
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