Review Summary: With (e)vening, Mae have truly exceeded expectations, releasing a strong finish to their EP series.
It has been a rocky few years for alternative rock group, Mae. With their last couple of releases being deemed blasé by critics, the band seems to be fading unnoticed into obscurity. This is a pretty depressing sentiment, as Mae have shown true genius in the past. "The Everglow" was a genuinely moving album full of truly enjoyable alt-rock tunes, bolstered by some really exceptional musicianship. Yet "Singularity" bored to tears. It wasn't expressly bad, but it lacked anything and everything that made their previous effort such a treat. Yet aside from true album releases, Mae have been working diligently on a charity project. (M)orning, (a)fternoon, and (e)vening are EP's in a series which aims to artistically showcase the band from different viewpoints. It's creatively ambitious, and wholly interesting, and in a very noble act, Mae have been donating the EPs' sales to various charities.
With the release of (e)vening, the series has been completed. And I'm pleased to report that it finishes things incredibly strong. (E)vening has this far been the most creative and personal of the charity EP's. Hugely piano driven, the album really encompasses the feeling of night. It's serene and calming, and in many places, downright gorgeous. While the piano doesn't go as far to astound with technical veracity, it is pretty enough to warrant praise. Yet it feels like, Mae aren't really trying to astound either. The EP sounds like a band who is fully content with themselves and their music. Creatively and conceptually, it's damn incredible. While there certainly isn't a lack of suave piano rock in the world, Mae play with such confidence and assurance, that is sounds truly unique.
Yet the EP lacks consistency. It really feels like two separate ideas, jammed into one lengthy EP. Divided into two distinct parts, "(e)vening" plays like an album with an identity crisis. There is a large three song piano suite situated in the middle, sandwiched between some very calm and assured tunes. And while overall they are great, a couple of the more rock oriented songs seem to drag. "I Just Wanted You To Know" is probably the weakest of the EP's nine tracks. While it isn't outright awful, it is largely forgettable, and one that will expressly be skipped. Yet the true draw to the album will be the wonderfully provocative instrumental work. The piano suite is gorgeous, and it offers some of the EP's most emotional moments. Separated by three different movements, the "Seasons" tracks flow together perfectly. It's a little more in depth than one would think, and the great sense of variety makes it a worthy re-listen. All of this is capped off by the EP's best rock song, and a wonderful instrumental finale as well.
"Sleep Well" and "(e)vening" are very deliberate tracks, and ooze style and confidence. "Sleep Well" features some of the best vocals on the EP, and it is an overall very evocative piece. Yet it is largely used as a buildup to "(e)vening," which serves as the finale. And what a finale it is, as it is a very sweeping and glorious track. It features some tasteful strings, and boasts the best guitar work on the entire EP. Combined, the two tracks are the perfect way to close things out in style.
(e)vening is quite possibly the best thing Mae have done since "The Everglow." It's wonderfully personal, and reeks of style and pure unbridled creativity. Although it stumbles a bit in some parts, the overall package is more than the sum of it's parts. "(e)vening" is a very genuinely beautiful experience, and a true highlight of the band's career.
