When The Maine formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2007, the band jumped on the pop-punk bandwagon, churning out hit after hit for their then mostly teenaged audience. Since then, the band’s sound has evolved, from making music that the younger set would enjoy to something adults would spin. Now all in their thirties, the band has learned over the years not only how to make things work as an independent act but also how to bring their fans along with them. Now crafting their brand of rock, which still works nearly 20 years after forming, the group’s fans have formed a bit of a modest cult following, with some being just as devoted as they were in 2007. With their latest album dyed (2008-2023,) the band has taken nine tracks from each of their album eras and turned them into a record that celebrates their history.
Opening with “Two Flowers (2008)” this is an interesting track to start things off, as this was their pop punk era with their debut Can’t Stop Won’t Stop. Knowing what that record sounded like, the opening tracks sound like something they would release in later years, and its vibe is telling as it illustrates what would be coming as the group matured.
“Why I Hate It Here (2011)” still features the pop punk beats The Maine has been known for. With this bouncy feeling comes a more mature sound that would drive the band to abandon their record label and do everything themselves. With guitar riffs and a chorus that will become lodged in your head, “Why…” is sure to inspire plenty of crowd interactions at live performances.
“Colored In Blue (2021),” is dyed’s… strongest track as it highlights how good vocalist and lead singer John O’Callaghan has become over the years, sounding his most assured and confident. With Callaghan’s distinctive vocals, his sense of melody is impeccable and the subtle 80’s vibe, allows the chorus to remain in your head long after the song is over. After listening, this is the one song that we wish would have made it on an album, as its memorability shines.
To close out dyed…, the band chose “Until the High Wears Off (2023,)” the group’s most recent selection for this LP. Continuing “Colored in Blue’s” likeability, “Until…demonstrates why The Maine has maintained their dedicated fan base for as long they have. They are not your standard band, writing radio-friendly songs. Over time, the group has carved out their own little piece of the music industry, making a community all of their own. With this, people will stay along for the ride forever, making sure that The Maine continues to be a mainstay not only on their playlists and music collections but in their lives.
Dyed (2008-2003) is out now.
