Virginia alt-rockers Mae run the risk of being lumped in with other genre "positivists" such as Relient K and Switchfoot, but based on the aptly named Singularity, that would be a mistake, as the LP sets them apart as pop perfectionists who are able to synthesize bright melodic hooks and rock muscle into a guitar pop perfection that is (yes) singular. This is a lively, octane-fueled, and hook-ridden album that yields up all kinds of power pop delights. Producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, the All American Rejects) couches the group's gift for melodic invention in dynamic cloudbursts of guitars, from the limber, energetic wallop of modern rock that is Brink of Disaster to the tough but pretty Crazy 8s. Both of those are very good songs -- and there are lots of tracks of that caliber here -- but in other spots the songs reach into the rarer stratosphere of gorgeous, love-rock perfection. Just Let Go is such a track, a timeless blend of wheeling guitars, lush beds of vocal harmonies, and a spine-tingling chorus. Rocket shows a more aggressive side of the group, with the guitars gunning more live Velvet Revolver than Switchfoot. But even this stance is undercut by some hooky flourishes and bright keyboard twinkles, and Singularity is clear evidence that Mae has evolved into an excellent rock band, one that never sacrifices beauty or songcraft in the face of big guitars. [A digital version of the album was also released.] ~ Erik Hage, Rovi

1		Brink Of Disaster
2		Crazy 8s
3		Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone
4		Just Let Go
5		On Top
6		Waiting
7		Sic Semper Tyrannis
8		Release Me
9		Telescopes
10		Rocket
11		Home
12		Reflections
13		Last Transmission II
14		Novocaine
15

	Like us on Facebook
	@SoundHound	Follow