It comes as a relief that, after years of label upsets and missed opportunities,The Maine haven’t turned inwards and hit the self-destruct button. In fact, instead of trying to release a carbon copy of the debut that made them the darlings of the pop-rock scene, they went a different direction entirely. Recruiting the help of pop genius (and sometime Raconteur singer) Brendan Benson on production duties, ‘Forever Halloween’ marks an increasing maturity that will leave many of their counterparts in the dust.
Melody, angular guitars and a confidence that pulses through ‘Forever Halloween’ are key to its success. From the impossibly catchy lead single ‘Run’ to the swagger of ‘Love and Drugs’, The Maine sound like a band finally comfortable in their sound, assured of who they are and what kind of band they want to be. Gone are the days of trying too hard, ‘Forever Halloween’ symbolises a new laid back approach and damn, does it suit them.
This transformation from teen heartthrobs to a mature band ready to take on contemporary American radio hasn’t been an overnight process. It began with their previous album ‘Pioneer’, elements of alt-country first experimented on that album are pushed even further on ‘Forever Halloween’. In the capable hands of Benson, this collection of slick sing-alongs still manage to have grit and heart. Recorded live as a band and directly onto tape, this back to basics approach was just what was needed to get the best out of this band.
‘Forever Halloween’ is certainly the best album The Maine have put out, the dark lyricism, recurring themes of alienation and loss present the band in a new light. With sharp guitar lines and a tunefulness that cleverly heightens the lyrical punch, they have struck the perfect middle ground between bubble gum melodies and a grittier underbelly. That having been said, it’s hardly like ‘Forever Halloween’ will start many circle pits, The Maine are still firmly focused on creating great pop songs, and why the hell not, when song like ‘Blood Red’ are so instantly singable. If ‘Forever Halloween’ proves anything though it’s that The Maine are a band you can kick down, but they’ll get back up and produce a suckerpunch of an album.
CLARA CULLEN