In college, Mae drummer Jacob Marshall devised his own interdisciplinary-studies major: aesthetic theory. Keying into how the mind processes beauty, Marshall’s concept of Multisensory Aesthetic Experience developed in part by asking subjects boasting perfect pitch what colors they visualized while listening to classical music. Answers converged, the Virginia Beach quintet found itself an acronym, and their under-the-radar debut, Destination: Beautiful, latched onto a concept.
The band’s first major-label effort, however, is devoid of the high aspirations that previously endeared Mae to clean-cut keyboard enthusiasts searching for a bit of actual meaning with their emo. Lacking much of follow-up The Everglow’s artsy-smartsy touches (seamless song transitions, storybook concept), Singularity forgoes lush indie-pop for squeaky clean production courtesy of Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects) and a radio-ready sheen emphasizing big guitars, big choruses and a big shift to a harder, more pronounced pop-rock sound.
Lyrically, Singularity continues vocalist/lyricist Dave Elkins’ quest to answer life’s big questions. Unfortunately, the overall impression left here is that mainstream success would help achieve some solace. For every outstanding “Brink of Disaster” or “Just Let Go,” there’s a “Sic Semper Tyrannis” or “Rocket” that pales in bland, generic comparison to Beautiful and Everglow’s sweet subtlety. Mae haven’t gone full-on Hollywood just yet, but Destination: Overblown might not be far behind.
Mae
Singularity
** 1/2