Based around a love of folk, Talking Heads and David Bowie, Maia’s style encompasses an eclectic mix of styles and song structures. Following their self-titled debut album and Alligator EP, Maia are releasing their second album Pepper Stars. We had a listen and here are our thoughts.
The album opens with Alien and quickly we are transported in the wonderful world of Maia, filled with eccentric sounds and beautiful melodies. Alien certainly is a beautiful opening with its stunning accords and is just strange enough to keep you interested all the way through. Zuma Aluma carries on with the strange. We love the simplicity of this track and then how it changes and morphes into something more intricate. There is a fair bit of modern sound here but then Maia add hints of past influences too.
Following the rather fun Zuma Aluma is the more exotic Alight Adventure. Maia use high notes on this track which give it a good edge. The title track of the album offers a completely different experience and shows a barer side to Maia’s music, keeping the kookiness.
Where Else But Earh is another stunning track. An acoustic guitar and light vocals make this a rather enjoyable listen and then come in the trumpets to add some drama and so on it goes until the big finish. The trumpet we enjoyed so much makes a return on The Grandfather Plan. This time more lively and with a hint of Greek tones the song definitely sounds more exotic.
Now for the tearjerkers on the album there is the rather intense Sundown. A piano lead makes this a rather powerful track on the album. Best of all Maia only rely on simplicity for this track, which is refreshing. Constant Play is another light track on this album, which we love. The perfect balance of vocals and guitar and then harmonies makes this one of or favourites for it is so haunting.
Picking and spicing things up is More Strangely Than The Moon. This upbeat track will give you the irresistible urge to dance.
Last on the album is Towards The Onion. A strange title to a not so strange track and kooky way to end this album.
Maia’s new album Pepper Stars sees the band continue their amazing adventure. This record is an easy pleasure with quite a few surprises. Maia have carefully balanced their strangeness and musical craft and turned it into something special.
