The Maple State's debut release on Punktastic Recordings
Punktastic is a small website that provides readers with full coverage of the UK underground Punk scene and also reviews band’s live sets and CD's. When head administrator Paul Savage decided to create the label 'Punktastic Recordings' with fellow moderator, Mark. It was clear that these guys weren't going to sign any snooty English band and were looking for those talented bands who are somewhat overlooked by other labels. With their second release (the first being the 'unscene' compilation) Punktastic Recordings have certainly achieved in signing a band that are fuelled with potential and destined with great success.
The Maple State have only been around for just over a year and are already playing venues such as The Garage in London. Mixing emotional pop with electronic rock, the young Mancunians take their unique blend and push it to places rarely touched by anyone else. This could only be down to the way the band entwines their guitar and synth lines to create a very filling sound. Their coherent sound is in no way unattractive to the ears; the vocals are not over polished or grotty. Its no surprise the band have gained themselves a support slot with Motion City Soundtrack but to me, this EP suggests they should really be headlining.
This seven-track extravanaganza begins with 'You can't put two hotels on Mayfair.' It sounds, dare I say, a bit pouncy to begin with. But once you understand what this band is all about, it's a perfect opener. A catchy melody and exciting tempo is a combination that The Maple State seems to use quite frequently, but without a doubt in the most astounding way. Second track 'The city is' is my personal favourite, cramming all of the bands musical talent into 4 minutes and 4 seconds. Some remarkable harmonies on the chorus of the song really gives the band that X factor that leave goof balls like Simon Cowell wishing he didn't waste time wanking around with fake boy bands.
The whole of the CD is an emotional roller coaster, certainly expressed through the vocals and sweet sounding arpeggios produced by the guitar. One song that sticks out from the rest is 'Mightiest monster Mightiest melodrama of them all.' A song that can be summed up with chorus line 'I've got to get out tonight.' This one line pretty much conveys the apathy of every teenager in Britain and presents the lack of determination in today's society.