Max RM Share Emerald Lyric Video
I’ve really found myself mellowing of late, which is why I’ve really enjoyed the work of Max RM; he’s crafting these ballads that border on melancholy, though their spirit is somehow uplifting. Frankly, it reminds me a great deal of the work of Papercuts’ Jason Quever, texturing acoustic ballads with layer upon layer to create this sort of dreamy haze that envelops the listener. It seems like such a simple formula, but there’s this balance that very few pull off quite like what’s at play here, particularly with the aiding backing vocals of Liz Dearly. Expect to hear more as he just plans on sharing more music throughout 2021.
I woke up today wanting something reflective, something slowly moving that would have me looking back on the weekend, which is how I landed on Irish songwriter 
Margaux is a songwriter living in Brooklyn, but I hear a little bit of the softened vibes of maybe a Stella Donnelly in the way she’s crafted this track. Sure, there’s the intimacy of the strummed notes, but the song’s opening first few minutes have this playfulness that really makes po fans swoon, or at least this particular listener. But, what really drew me to the song was the shift midway through things; it takes on this ethereal dream quality that sort of takes the song into this floating meander that I didn’t see coming. It’s nice to be surprised by things. Expect a debut EP from the artists in November.
When I first heard this track from 
Over the last several years Ian McCuen has been releasing tunes from a series he’s titled Songs of Fleeting Permanence; these songs are said to be informed by reflection upon his own self-discovery between the ages of 16-24. You’ll need a careful ear when listening, as he’s got this soft voice, like a gentle whisper hanging on in the wind. The style will definitely draw in some Smith comparisons, especially considering the track’s focus on dependency and addiction. McCuen builds upon the simplicity by layering in light percussion and touches of banjo, with a haunting little vocal before the song drops out. Volume II of Songs of Fleeting Permanence will be out this Friday.
