Maia - Pepper Stars
22/10/12 20:44 Filed in: Album Reviews
Maia, a 4 piece alternative, acoustic band from Huddersfield playing all sorts of disco sci-fi folk pop on ukulele, cajon, trumpet, banjo, mandolin or whatever else is lying around! A really new and fresh approach to acoustic folk music. Their new album "Pepper Stars" will be out on the 26th of November 2012. Look out for this as it's going to be one of those must-buy albums for 2012.
Official Blurb PR words of advise:
Following their self-titled debut album and Alligator EP, Maia are releasing their second album “Pepper Stars” of which singles “Living In The Alligator”, “Zuma Aluma” and “The Grandfather Plan”, released earlier this year, have already received critical acclaim. Once in a while a band will come along who sound way beyond their years, think Fleet Foxes or The Incredible String Band. Having just finished university, Maia is a band that fall into that esteemed category.
Based around a love of folk, Talking Heads and David Bowie, their style encompasses an eclectic mix of styles and song structures, with the element to emote and surprise in equal measure. Although the songs are underpinned with traditional folk guitar, many of them are embellished with a lively brass section. The lads decided to form a band during a night out in Huddersfield and quickly went on to record their first album under the supervision of producer Choque Hosein whilst finishing off their studies at university. With 3 years of live shows up and down the country already under their belts, and supports including the likes of Anais Mitchell, The Hut People, Jamie Smith's Mabon, Chumbawamba as well as performing at The Unthanks end of tour party, the group are continuing to receive huge praise and a greater following for their fantastic live shows.
With a critically acclaimed appearance at 2011 Cambridge Folk Festival, residencies at the monthly Folke Newington night at The Drop (London) and the highly regarded Magpies Nest Collective, the band were asked to headline at The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre on New Years Eve, which kick started their live dates for 2012.
The band have been killing festivals all summer with appearances at Larmer Tree, In The Woods, Whitby Folk Week, Braudstairs, Hop Farm and Wilderness. Maia's storming performance at the No Direction Home festival was seen by Ben Knox Miller who asked the band to play in support of The Low Anthem at their Bush Hall gig one week later. Upcoming shows include a gig at King's Place as well as more festival appearances at Freedom Festival, Musicport Weekender and A Nation of Shopkeepers.
The video for previous single Zuma Aluma, taken from “Pepper Stars”, was shot on iPhone 4s and edited on an iPad 2. The video caught the eye of the Apple UK marketing team, receiving fantastic feedback resulting with the band being offered an in-store show on at the Apple Store on Regent Street!
Maia bestow a sound and vision that is remarkably mature, combined with a sense of adventure that reflects their youthful spirit. Expect to hear much more from this gifted space quartet!
Official website: http://maiatheband.com/
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