It was only a matter of time before Nathen Maxwell,
bassist of the Celtic rock band Flogging Molly,
split off with his own works. Slipping a track in here
and there on a few Flogging
Molly albums, Maxwell’s individual
goals became more
apparent with each listen. But I
don’t think anyone saw such a
mellow layout of tracks on the
horizon.
The band is a combination of all of Maxwell’s past.
Maxwell’s father, who simply goes by maxwellvision,
brings his experience with the drums with the
same passion that initially inspired Maxwell to become
a musician.
Flogging Molly’s Matt Hensley comes along for
the ride with his accordion and concertina as does
Ted Hutt, Flogging Molly’s long time producer and
original guitarist. And of course, the originals of The
Original Bunny Gang, Maxwell’s childhood friends
Jarrod Wall on guitar and Michael Peralta on bass.
The album is filled with a generally easygoing
mix of music. The tracks are a combination of folk
rock and reggae, hinting toward the sound of Slightly
Stoopid, more with the smooth beats and not so much
experimentation.
Maxwell wrote a number of songs over a period of
10 years while touring with Flogging Molly and has
now got a chance to show off his song writing skills.
All of the songs are written by Maxwell and his father. “Love Outlaw” is one of the better songs on
the album, starting it off with a bang. Maxwell’s
easy vocals ride perfectly in synch with the reggae
guitar and bass.
Hearing Maxwell’s skills spread beyond bass
is impressive, his fingers hitting a easy reggae
beat. Maxwellvision keeps a solid pulse of drums
and symbols that spreads throughout the entire
album. “Salt and Sand” tells the story of a man
who chooses to roam and leaves his true love at
home. Maxwell keeps a light but steady pace,
making you feel the tears of the character fall to
the ground.
Although it deviates from the rapid fire sound
he let loose with Flogging Molly, Maxwell has
found a style that fits him.