American Candy

THE MAINE

AMERICAN CANDY

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Genre: Pop / Rock

Release Date: March 31st, 2015

The Maine embrace their sweet-tooth for a deliciously reminiscent pop rock sound that once had them roll-ing along on their debut (Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop). And even the most savory of palettes will want a taste of American Candy.

Lead singles, “Miles Away” and “English Girls” get things cooking for The Maine’s fifth full-length outing, but it’s the super-sweet, ethereal subtleties on “Diet Soda Society” that will have you coming back for more. “Just shut up / That’s when she said it / She told me, ‘just shut up and drink your diet soda.'” If it’s shutting up and spinning this record that lead vocalist John O’Callaghan is implying of the audience to do, then we’ll sit back and sip slowly.

It’s a healthy balance of new meets old: the maturity of their last two records (Forever Halloween, Pioneer), the potential commercial appeal and structure of Black & White and the carefree attitude of a band playing music that they truly enjoy (Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop). This is sure to please new audiences and old fans alike. Whether it’s the atmospheric mainstays of the title track “American Candy,” or the ’80s influence on their rock ballad “(Un) Lost,” The Maine give audiences a well-rounded variety of flavors to choose from.

It’s a vital, bouncy record that is sure to be spinning throughout the spring and summer months ahead. And don’t be surprised when American Candy leaves you with an insatiable hunger for second helpings.

Suggested Tracks: “Diet Soda Society” ; “Miles Away” ; “American Candy”

 

+ Record Store Day 2015

The Maine will be performing twice this Saturday (April 18th), which just so happens to be Record Store Day. At 1pm, they’ll be performing at Angelo’s CDs (Broadway location) for a very special in-store session, which will act as a precursor to their headlining concert later that night at Summit Music Hall in downtown Denver.

You can pick up American Candy at your local record store or at the show on Saturday. It’s also available on iTunes right now.

And don’t forget to get out and support your local record stores and your favorite artists this Saturday by purchasing some unreleased / rare material that you’ll only find at participating Record Store Day shops. Each store will also have special Record Store Day events, signings, performances and releases.

You can find a complete list of Record Store Day releases and participating shops right here.

 

Written by Samuel Lang of 303 Magazine.

Photos courtesy of The Maine.