Album Review: Maxine Ashley - MOOD SWINGs EP
After garnering a successful buzz from her cover version of Portishead’s “Glory Box” and pulling in more than 9 million views on her YouTube channel, songbird/songwriter Maxine Ashley releases her debut EP, MOOD SWINGs. For this exclusive EP, the Bronx, N.Y., native delivers nine infectious tracks with whimsical vocals over imaginative, experimental production by the likes of Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, Zeke MacUmber, The Outsyders and the one and only Pharrell Williams.
With MOOD SWINGs, Maxine doesn’t fail to bring listeners to her world where R&B, soul, jazz, pop and alternative elements come together to live in harmony, if only for a moment. Her vocal capabilities shine brilliantly throughout the EP, as she never lets the star-studded production take center stage. Ashley is certainly running the show here, and songs like the early-'90s house-inspired “Here We Are” further proves it.
The highlights of MOOD SWINGs turn out to be the more subtle tracks like the breezy “By Your Side” and the cool, psychedelic “Mary” that leads up to the more upbeat Pharrell-produced “Perpetual Nights.” Overall, Ashley delivers an impressive project complete with solid vocals and stellar production. Each song carries an air of its own, whether it’s moody, reflective, groovy or just plain cool; and this gives us a glance into just what kind of artist she is and who she’s becoming. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
More from Tia Scott (See All)
New Music: Sperry Alan - Before Our Time
Tia Scott 0Nova Scotian alternative rock artist Sperry Alan releases his new LP, Before Our Time, composed from a unique blend of punk and folk rock. Lively as it is intimate, Sperry wears his heart on his sleeve...
Jun 9, 2015Album Review - Ships Have Sailed, 'Someday'
Tia Scott 0Ships Have SailedSomedaySelf-released With the lead single, “Midnight,” currently making waves, Los Angeles-based band Ships Have Sailed are gearing up to release their debut 6-track EP entitled Someday. For this EP, the band whisks between elements...
Jul 14, 2014Comments
Recent posts
Subscribe!
Receive updates on what's going on in live entertainment, events, and music.