REVIEW: Maker – Self Titled EP | Under the Gun Review

REVIEW: Maker – Self Titled EP

November 9th, 2012

Matthew Dondiego

Artist: Maker
Album: Maker
Genre: Indie Punk

To be quite honest, it had been some time since I had last listened to Maker prior to the new EP. After my first listen I was convinced the band I was listening to was a different band than I had remembered. However, I was wrong; it was the same band. The same band, just older, more mature, more refined and most importantly, more impressive. Now that’s not to say that Maker have ever put out a bad record. In fact, the band’s full length record Mirrors, released last June on 6131 Records, was a very good album. With that said though, the band did little to push any musical boundaries or separate itself from others in the scene.

Let’s just get this out of the way now. Maker’s new self-titled EP is by far the best music that the band have released to date. Stylistically the EP is a huge step forward and takes the band from being another typical pop-punk band, hidden among an array of other cookie-cutter bands, to a brooding indie punk act, capable of standing head and shoulders above many in today’s punk scene.

The first thing that stands out to me about this EP is that lyrically it is so relatable, and in a way more so than simple, cliché lyrics about young love and heartbreak. In the record’s opening track “Shadows”, as the line “And I don’t know if I could do this on my own” rings out I immediately find myself wanting to share the burden and pain felt in the lines. Later in the EP, during the third track “I Had To Put My Lady Down”, as vocalist Dave Carter tragically sings out “This house is freezing, but we cant afford to turn the heat on just yet”, i find myself there, huddled with the band attempting to fight off the cold. The lyrics are not only easy to relate to but the band is able to connect with their listeners, effortlessly painting a picture of their emotional despair felt on the record.

Musically the new EP is very strong, punchy and powerful when it needs to be, and at other times soft and calm, creating a perfectly varied tempo throughout the record. One thing that stands out to me about the music on this release is that the band constantly seem to create a “calm before the storm” type of a moment, building tension before either kicking a riff in, or dropping off all together, only to be picked up and driven by the outstanding vocals of Carter. Regardless of the type of tempo change, Maker consistently keeps listeners on the edge of their seat, hanging on each and every note.

While the EP is a very well-rounded release, equally impressive from each musician, vocalist Dave Carter is the records bright spot, absolutely shining on each and every track. With a unique, fresh sounding voice, Carter masters a number of vocal ranges on the EP, quietly crooning at times and bellowing out angst-filled lyrics at others.

Maker’s new self-titled EP welcomes in new fans while blowing away the old ones, showcasing their impressive growth as a band. It is obvious that over the last five years together, they have evolved musically, leading to their most outstanding work yet, on which they have truly cemented themselves as one of the premiere punk acts in today’s scene.

Fans can catch the band on tour with Major League and Turnover later this winter on a massive six week tour. Be sure to pick up Maker’s new EP due out November 13 on Asbestos Records and on vinyl through Black Numbers Records.

Score: 9/10

Written by: Matthew Dondiego (follow him on Twitter for music updates, quips, & childish complaints)