Max MacLaury is a singer songwriter who is inspired by old jazz crooners as well as country and folk legends. His eclectic style has just caught my attention, as has his upcoming new album Drifting.
By Graeme Smith
The album opens with Strangers. It’s a moody but lively start, opening with a plodding rhythm and jazzy keys. Max’s vocals are haunting and pleading during a stripped-back first verse before things explode into life during an Americana-infused instrumental moment. The mix of genres on display right from the off is exciting, and enticed me to want to hear more.
Leave slows things down a little with some jazz and soul. After a groovy intro, Max delivers a beautifully escapist story. Your Words gives us some brooding blues that develops into some expansive etherealness. Hard Times keeps things slow and atmospheric before Norman’s Decaf completes the first half of the album with a racy, move-inducing instrumental highlight.
Content is a simmering, ecclesiastical country-infused ballad with some heartbreakingly philosophical lyrics. Title track Drifting provides a delicate, piano-led moment that’s rich with emotion. It’s a devastating highlight.
Deciduousness is broad and atmospheric, full of echoing guitar, natural imagery and introspection. Frank’s Ghost is a stripped-back, melancholic lament before Wake Up closes the album with a dreamy laid-back finale that unfolds over six minutes before arriving at a soul-drenched guitar solo. It’s the perfect end and a final highlight.
With his new album, Max MacLaury has combined a range of genres, all underpinning story-rich lyrics and a strong sense of emotion. I’m so glad to have discovered his work, and look forward to hearing more from him.
Drifting was recorded live with a five-piece band over the course of a year at Painted Sky Studios in Cambria, California, USA. It was mixed by Scott Hirsch from Hiss Golden Messenger. The album is set for release on 17 November.