by Tiara Isom
It’s that time again when I get to write about bands that I’ve gone to see. Today’s band is called The Maine and let me tell you, they are a band you will be hearing quite soon.
The Maine consists of John O’Callaghan (Vocals), Pat Kirch (Drums), Kennedy Brock (Guitar and Vocals), Jared Monaco (Guitar), and Garrett Nickelsen (Bass Guitar). Contrary to their name, The Maine is a pop-punk band from Tempe, Arizona. The Maine began in early 2007 and by the end of the year they had released their first EP. The Maine recently released their first full-length record “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” this past year and it features an impressive repertoire of songs both lyrically and musically.
For a band that began in 2007, The Maine has garnered an impressive following, which, considering how hard they work is not surprising. The Maine attributes most of their continued success to the social media websites that they used to push their music. The work paid off and now The Maine can boast an impressive list of shows in which they have played in. Some of the shows or tours include, playing with Good Charlotte and All Time Low, Co-Headlining the Alternative Press tour, Warped Tour for two years, and the Love Drunk tour.
The best part about The Maine is the fact that their music is so brutally honest in the sense that it captures every teenager’s feelings. For The Maine, their goal is to try and create music that reflects their lives and who they are as people, a task that many bands try to complete. However, The Maine actually achieves it. They are the band that sings about what today’s youth feel. Many of their songs are about girls, friends, living life, and just trying to figure out who they are, they are essentially teenagers singing about and to teenagers. They are living through everything that the current generation is, and that gives them an edge over other bands.
For band that is considered mostly punk with a splash of pop, The Maine finds away to create a clean blend of punk that is vastly different from other punk bands in the scene. By using energetic rhythms, bold vocals, and a mixture of pure guitar parts and vivid electronics, The Maine has succeeded in making a punk sound that has managed not to fall into the screamo or grunge genre. Instead, they’ve created the type of punk rock music that reminds you of winding roads and impromptu road trips with friends. It’s the music you blast when you want something to brighten your day.
Their live show is also something to be admired. As I watched The Maine’s set I could tell that the people in the crowd were excited and it seemed as if they would be utterly content if The Maine continued to play for the rest of the night. The crowds cheering was so bad at one point that the guys had to wait a minute or two before they could start playing. On stage, the guys work in a cohesive group, playing off each other’s energy and working together seamlessly. It’s invigorating to see the members of The Maine so into the music they play. Their set was filled with guitar riffs and solos, thumping bass lines, and vocals that overpowered the senses, and a steady drum beat that always kept your attention.
Even better is the fact that The Maine clearly loves to interact with and incorporate their fans into their live show. I know quite a few people’s day were made when they got pulled up on stage to sing with the guys. It’s these types of things that show how much the members of The Maine aren’t above connecting with their fans, which is something a lot bands, who have achieved the level of success that The Maine has, do not do. Plus it adds something to the show that keeps you on your toes.
The Maine has just finished supporting Boys Like Girls on the Love Drunk Tour. They are currently taking a break to work on their new record and rumor has it that they will be embarking on a headlining tour sometime this year. So until then, check out their album “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” as well as their book This Is Real Life, which contains written memoirs from the members of the band as well as exclusive photos. Photos from the show can be found at FallingFaceForward Photography
This was great to read
Pretty much everything you said is true, although I think of The Maine as more of an indie pop band.
Even though I don’t listen to them as much as I used to, I’m pretty sure they’ll always be a band that I love and support. They are so real with everything, it’s amazing.
haha slightly late on this, but I’ glad you enjoyed the article. I do have to agree that the Maine is moving into indie pop for me as well. I’m definitely looking forward to their new album coming out this summer.