Joe Maxi are an experimental / alternative rock band from Dublin who produce a dynamic, fast-paced, energetic sound through hints of punk, psychedelic, prog-rock, and comprise of Mikey Fowler (vocals and guitar), Lee Reddy (lead guitar), Jamie Lydon (bass) and Louis White (drums). Their debut EP `The Game` is released this month.
`There’s Still Time` opens with some shimmering guitar riffs as a spoken word oration joins and leads us through a fairly bizarre discourse with a hint at time still being available for what who knows but it appears to be left up to one`s own imagination . Title track `The Game` has that feeling of a being ensconced in a surreal game show with Mikey Fowler our host and Lee, Jamie, and Louis his glamourous assistants. A delightful skewed aural soundscape with the final minute or so becoming an almost jam session.
`Shift` races along initially with some yelled proclamations before almost coming to a halt and resuming with a funk meets metal vibe with more edicts shared. The final number `Butterfly` has a fast-paced rolling beat and feels like a blend of punk, metal, and prog. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and rebirth and could encompass all three here.
`The Game` was a joyful introduction for me to Joe Maxi and what they have to offer, an enjoyable taster for much more to follow in the same vein hopefully. If you’re a fan of bands like Cud, The Blue Aeroplanes and Idles, I’m sure you`ll enjoy Joe Maxi.
Rating 8.5/10
