A softer side of pop-punk
Wolverhapton based four-piece Maycomb release their new EP ‘Crystal Tiger Blues’, consisting of five memorable numbers.
With Fall Out Boy and Motion City Soundtrack as major influences on this record, it can only be a good thing. It opens with ‘Hope House’, a fairly smooth sailing number that sets the pop punk scene and puts you in the mood for the remaining tracks. It explores the harmonies, which then develop further within the release. ‘All I Know Is My Gut Says Maybe’ develops this defined sound, gaining momentum and a more effervescent feel. This development continues through ‘Ghost Stories’ with its punchier ambiance and ‘Always The Courage’ with its sing along hooks and anthem like ending. The concluding song ‘Whatever Happened, Happened’ rounds the release up impressively.
These four youthful fellas have a laid back and honest approach to music, putting this emotion into their lyrics, creating some quite catchy lyrical hooks. Lead vocalist Simon McCoy’s soft vocal approach adds to this even more. It is a positive change from the screaming and slightly tougher tones that seem to dominant at the minute. It’s refreshing to have something gentler to listen to. If you like what you hear, head over to the bands official Myspace for a free download of their previous Ep, which may have had a limited release of 200 copies, but certainly got tongues wagging. Maycomb are a name to listen out for over the next year, as they have a bright future ahead.