MAX - Colour Vision

Buy Colour Vision here (Max's website)

Overview:

I first became a fan of Max when he was marauding round like some furloughed futuristic bank teller in the clip for his still-excellent Mug Shot song - I loved how he seemed to weave fashion, visuals and melody into his compelling musical stories; something he still does with great aplomb as evidenced by his brand new album, Colour Vision.  Here, surrounded by vibrant colours and striking imagery, he takes the listener on a journey, all about conquering adversity and how that shapes your view of the world. Such a message will always be timely, but feels particular relevant to the times we are currently living in. Swathed in intoxicating instrumental scores and blessed with enough hooks to keep you singing along for weeks on end, this is not just an album but a cohesive call to arms . With a slew of guest stars to accompany him, Max never loses himself in the production but always commands attention as he preaches his most righteous, mellifluous sermon. And the listener, as his congregation, just wants to testify about the glorious scripture of Colour Vision far and wide...

Longer read:

• Colour Vision ~ the album begins with its most compelling mission statement; a rousing two minute blast of Prince-esque pop that not only lets Max set out his thematic overview for the songs to follow but immerse you in the joyous music he has crafted. With shuddering synths and sinewy bass, the song comes at you like a regal proclamation. Oh, and as a Brit, I surely do appreciate his spelling of colour...
• Working For The Weekend (ft bbno$) ~ who doesn't relate to the drudgery of the working week and then feeling like you don't get the break you need? The finger click rhythms are gradually textured with convivial layered vocals and shimmering percussion. An infusion of horns makes you want to loosen that tie, roll up those sleeves and cast of the shackles of the endless employment. If only just for one wild Saturday. File next to Janet's Escapade and Madonna's Holiday...
• Love Me Less ~ who doesn't have a past? Who doesn't wake up at night wondering why anyone would fall for you with all the baggage you have accumulated? Max unveils his vulnerable side but finds power in unburdening himself so there are no secrets. Punchy chords and a slapping beat seemingly buoy the singer onto liberate his soul. There is something contagious and you are soon singing along to the infectiously honest gem.
• Acid Dreams ~ With a beguiling instrumental and down'n'dirty seductive vocal, this song is a soulful exploration of those romantic longings that seemingly make you feel like you are working on air. Once again, the addition of the brass section to these songs makes them feel vibrant and joyous. Max knows when to slow the beat for quiet storm maximum effect, which builds anticipation for the beat drop of the song's exhilarating outro. 
• Circles ~ Life isn't all hopes and dreams; it is disappointments and set backs. Circles is Max being candid about the ups and downs of a relationship. With an eloquence most people can only wish for, he conveys his mistakes with genuine earnest and imbues his voice with a tangible yearning. If all apologies and pleas for getting back on track were these graceful there might be a lot less strife in the world. 
• Blueberry Eyes (ft SUGA of BTS) ~ if you are going to get one of K-pop's biggest stars to duet with you, you had better make it snap. No worries there; this is gorgeous sixties style pop done in with a decidedly contemporary vibe. Those lilting lounge-bar vibes of the sumptuous instrumental are juxtaposed with electronica vocals and ravishing rap; by all accounts such a melange of sound shouldn't work but it flows together exquisitely. Oh and that theatrical piano-vocal finale is breathtaking.
• Where Am I At? ~ If you have ever wondered what your nocturnal thoughts that keep you awake at night sound like when set to music, Max has the answer. Where Am I At is an anguished look inwards; self introspection that slowly builds into a powerful, reverberating chorus. It is both intense and intensely personal - a sharing of his inner most thoughts that seem too painful to hold in. If singing them to such a detailed, rewarding instrumental is his cathartic first step to healing then we should all walk alongside him on our own path to a better tomorrow.
• New Life ~ if Where Am I At was the question then New Life is the answer. Starting with some enticing Spanish guitar, the song the erupts as a piano-funk groove that acts as a cheerleader to Max's enthusiastic, ebullient vocal. "If you're looking back, you're looking the wrong way" sings Max, entrenching the wisdom of his mother into eternal pop culture - and it is such an effusive lesson that you soon take it to heart. Play loud, play often and tell everyone you've ever met about this song.
• Checklist (ft Chromeo) ~ the good times keep on coming. I love a song with numerical counting in it (see also Gloria Estefan's 1-2-3; Steps' 5-6-7-8) and Max ably adds to this playlist with an infectious groove. The song is all about those sunny days of romance when you are just happy basking in the reflective glory of your love. Max seeks to recreate those experiences, offering up his aim to please via a saturated pop bop curated with those talented Chromeo fellas. 
• Missed Calls (ft Hayley Kiyoko) ~ "Do you miss me? Do you hate me?" ponders Max at the opening of this spare rhythmic jam. He pitches his side of the post break up malaise with that sense of all-consuming thoughts that fill every moment of the day. Conversely, Hayley pitches her opinion with a bittersweet vocal that just makes you want to shake these two crazy kids and get them back together. 
• SOS ~ gospel infused vocals and exquisite falsettos blend flawlessly with organ riffs and a heart beat rhythm. There are shades of Marvin Gaye on this experimental track, evidencing that when Max takes a risk with his music the payoff is more often than not utterly spectacular. Like a modern-day hymn, it transcends trends and defies fads to just exist as a classic piece of music that will last through the ages.
• There Is A God ~ The album finishes with a statement as evocative and dynamic as the one that opened it. A love song that can be interpreted in different ways, this is a melange of sounds so in-depth that multiple listens are required to appreciate the intricacy. Part nu-Beatles, part Queen, part Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life, it ends up wholly Max and your colour vision is expanded to appreciate all the shades of life in front of us.