MAUVE are a 3-piece Alt-Rock band who released their second EP Bouquet today. We were lucky enough to be given an early listen but this actually made it harder for me because all I wanted to do was add it to my Spotify playlist so that I could play it on repeat.
The EP kicks off with the already released Remember which has seen weekly plays on BBC Introducing. Although MAUVE don’t mention Twin Atlantic as one of their influences, the chorus to Remember could easily be one of their songs (or is that just because I’ve heard the Scottish accent and thought “oooh Scottish accent… must be either Twin Atlantic or Biffy Clyro” – let me know what you decide in the comments). Whichever it may be, the chorus is catchy as hell as well as being easy to learn on the first listen (never a bad thing) with the simple lyric “this will be a night to remember” repeated many a time throughout the 3:29 long song. Roughly one minute before the song ends, we’re treated to a couple of lines of the chorus being stripped of instruments, really enhancing the talent of Steve’s vocals before bringing you back to the main hook of the chorus and seeing the song out with the catchiest part, allowing the crowd to let loose one more time when being performed live. “I wonder if it’s too late” works amazingly as a fade out for this track however I can’t help but wonder what would have been created had it been added mid-song to act as a call and response when performed on stage. Ben also gets to show off his insane drum skills during a short instrumental section at 1:56, along with a nice use of a closed to open hi-hat at 2:23 which really gives this track that bit of ‘breathing space’ that it needs.
Shoreline is the next track on the EP and for this one think a Scottish version of Kids in Glass Houses (pat on the back if you remember that banger of a band). Now, I’m still fairly new to this and I’m also not completely clued up on all technical terms (sorry if that one shows) so if any of you can help me out with a proper way to say this please get in touch but here goes trying to describe this… You know when the rhythm of the music is building up to the crowd going full boogie but it’s also not quite there yet so one of your shoulders and your foot is moving in time to the beat getting yourself prepared? Yeah well anyway the opening to this track is perfect for that. The chorus for this track also comes in a lot quicker than the other two tracks but it’s such a good chorus that it should do. I approve. Shoreline has a massively high energy pop-punk vibe to it with the chorus being incredibly lively. Ieuan’s bass skills have such a nice driving role in this track which is complimented by Ben’s drum beat, combining to give the track it’s high energy sound. The other great thing about this chorus is that it’s very obvious where and when the crowd can get involved when listening. There’s no sudden “oh shit”, the obvious build ups are all there but again, I love this. Nothing worse than a heavier section creeping up on you and making you spill your drink… I paid good money for that, I’d like to drink it not wear it (haha I’m lying, I love me a heavy crowd and I definitely do not complain if I get a drink split on me. It’s a gig – lighten up). The brief pause before the chorus not only provides anticipation but could also be said to be a sign of professionalism – knowing when to take that break to let either the vocalist or an instrument shine through or even just knowing when to build up the excitement for the listener. It’s about knowing when something isn’t needed as opposed to trying to show everything at once and MAUVE have managed to execute this perfectly. Shoreline is another track to have a catchy hook within the chorus (“woah-oh, we’re shackled and we’re sinking fast”). Although the lyrics are slightly difficult to understand at first, this truly is a song in which once you hear what is being said you’re thinking to yourself “holy shit these lyrics are genius”. Having said this, it isn’t a song that requires being understood to be loved or to be catchy. A true banger to have a pint and a boogie to.
The EP ends (sad face) with Brittle which is their longest track at 5:12. This track is massively different stylistically and honestly, if it weren’t for Steve’s strong accent coming through it could be mistaken for a different band. At 45 seconds in, guitar harmonics are used which is rarely heard in songs these days but boy when it is, it sure stands out as something incredible. Brittle is 100% the ballad of the EP but the chorus to this, in my opinion, is “true pop punk” in that it is more of a mixture of shouting and singing – often associated with bands such as The Front Bottoms, Real Friends and Trash Boat. The chorus isn’t heard until 1:36 which is understandable due to the length of the track. The funny thing is that it isn’t until a couple of listens that you realise how long the wait for the chorus is because the build-up just works so well. There’s a hidden, underlying thickness to this track which is not instantly noticeable as it is masked by the ballad-esque vocals and the use of harmonies (“washes over me”) from Steve and Ieuan – however once it is noticed, it acts as a whole other layer to the track. The other mesmerising thing about Brittle is that the beginning of a verse (or perhaps ‘chunk’, depending on how MAUVE themselves see it) nearly always sees a new element being added e.g. verse 2 adding a palm-muted guitar into the track.
It’s going to sound cheesy but it’s honestly true that when I first got sent Remember as a single to review, I didn’t think any of MAUVE’s other songs would be able to top it however I think Brittle may have just pipped it to the post. My favourite thing about Bouquet as a whole is how the Scottish accent can consistently be heard. I love it when a natural accent can be heard as opposed to all the manufactured accents that sound identical. I do understand that with some artists, such as Adele, that is just the way they sing however I have to admit that when it’s a learnt habit (as it can so often be in the genres that I tend to listen to), it can sometimes put me off an artist. There is nothing more frustrating for me than someone singing with an American twang when you just know how English their speaking voice is. ANYWAY, back to the actual matter in hand, MAUVE you killed it. You can see me at your next London show front row singing along because this EP is not coming off repeat any time soon.
Listen to the new EP via Spotify here
Check MAUVE out on Facebook
Burn The Pages 