Maxeen is a band whose name you need to know going into 2004. Recently finishing a tour with Yellowcard, Matchbook Romance and Acceptance, and having a song on the Warped Tour 2003 compilation and Atticus …Dragging the Lake Vol. II compilation, both before their debut album was released has to tell you something.

Maxeen formed in California not too long ago, when guitarist Shannon McMurray answered drummer Jay Skowronek's call for a musician wanted ad. They got along great and found out they had some of the same influences as well. One late night in May 2002, Shannon found himself at The Prospector Club in Long Beach at the suggestion of a friend who said Tom Bailey was playing that night and that he had to be seen. Shannon's desire to form a new project led the three of them to meet in a rehearsal space one summer night in early June 2002. Though Tom was the new kid and didn't know Shannon or Jay all too well, they bonded immediately and it felt like they had been playing together for years. Maxeen wrote 10 songs that first night reminiscent of such great acts as The Police, the Pixies, and The Afghan Whigs. The music that came out was powerful, graceful and true; the voice was strong.

Maxeen’s self-titled album is one of my new favorites. Only having it for about a month since it was released in mid-November, it hasn’t come out of my car CD player yet, and it's constantly playing on my iPod. It's taken me a while to write this feature because I'd just been thinking of what I could say about Maxeen, what other bands I could compare them to for those who haven't heard their music. I have to admit that it's been really hard. All I can say is that they are a really great band and you should just really give them a listen. Their single Love Goes A Long Way is a great song and so catchy and infectious that the bass line at the least will stay in your head for days. Poison June is one of my favorites, a good breakup song that starts "Pictures of you I adore / strewn across the bedroom floor / Your letters chronological / heartbeat away from trigger pull." Take the Weight Off is a great song to rock out to, as is Gettaway. Shuffle My Feet is another good rock song to play on your headphones while walking around anywhere, preferably on a "city street."

If you get a chance to see them live, definitely go! I have read many reviews from kids who went to the Yellowcard tour, not knowing who Maxeen was until they stepped onstage, and leaving with a new favorite band. Many even thought Maxeen had the best performance of the night. So be sure to visit the links below to listen to their ecard and visit their website for more information.

Website:
www.maxeen.com

The Band:
Tom Bailey - lead vocals, bass
Shannon McMurray - guitar
Jay Skowronek - drums

eCard:
http://www.sideonedummy.com/maxeen/

My photos:
12.18.03 @ Irving Plaza
4.15.04 @ Trocadero