HIGH CLASS IN BORROWED SHOES

I was reading a biography of the GODS Rush and at some point it was mentioned that Max Webster were opening for them and they were an extraordinary band. "Well", I thought, "let's give them a listen then" so I typed their monicker on YouTube and ever since I thank my lucky stars that the top video the algorithm had for me was In Context of the Moon. I was gobsmacked! This song sent me immediately digging into their short, but quality discography.

This album begins in a rocky, upbeat and groovy way and we get off to a good start. Of course, the band is unconventional (in case you missed the point on the cover) and immediately they go for something different. The soft keyboads of Diamonds Diamonds tone things down, but they are absolutely brilliant and the composition as a whole is very soulful. The mildly distorted guitars on Gravity add some edge again and the catchy chorus does the trick to etch the song in our memory. Then comes Words to Words which floors me every time, it is a textbook example how a band can write tender but far from saccharine ballads, absolutely brilliant. Naturally, the boys would balace things right away with America's Veins and it's rather unlikely not to bang your head on this one. For once things don't change drastically and the fuzzy guitar with the distorted voice of Mitchell carry Oh War! in a shuffle pattern. And then comes the awesome final triad starting with On the Road with a beautiful acoustic guitar accompanied by a wonderful vocal melody and occasional touches by the keyboards. Rain Child is hammond-driven and it is carried by smart melodies literally everywhere, vocals, bass, electric guitar, you name it. And finally the song that introduced me to Max Webster which begins in a totally prog fashion, turns into a rock tune and finally morphs into a pop dancing song that it wouldn't surprise me at all if I ever hear it at a summer night club. These guys are geniuses! Their music is accessible, but at the same time so sophisticated and well-crafted. Great album!

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