Virginia band Mae are back with more melodic rock on their third full-length release, Singularity.
The record drops Aug. 14 on Capitol and is fronted by first single "Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone," which can be purchased as a digital download and previewed on their MySpace page along with "Brink Of Disaster" and "Sic Semper Tyrannis." The band have begun leaking the album by releasing webisodes that feature new tracks and studio footage.
Mae say their new material was inspired by the energy and conviction of such bands as Rage Against The Machine and Nirvana. Drummer Jacob Marshall says that they wanted to connect with "the feeling of tapping into something like that from our childhood, you know, which was meaningful to us and set the bar for what we would want to achieve as artists."
Unlike their childhood heroes, the former Tooth & Nail rockers steered clear of profanity on their new album.
"Sometimes you can be more poetic, you can be more in tact with what you are trying to say if you don't," explains frontman Dave Elkins. "But if you feel like you're actually making your point a little bit better, then go for it. I'd do it. I'd do it again and again too if I had to."
The songs on Singularity encourage listeners to find their own answers in life.
"What we're trying to really put out there is not to give up on the search, because we are making progress," says Marshall. "There's not an easy answer, but just because there's not an easy answer it doesn't mean that progress isn't being made and that good isn't happening everyday. So it's a hopeful record, but it's not one that's embracing a false sense of hope."
Since the release of their 2003 debut, Mae have gone on countless tours with the likes of Foo Fighters, Yellowcard and, most recently, The Fray. Travelling has increased their cultural awareness and, on Singularity, they challenge people to see themselves as an important part of their global community and to take responsibility for their actions.
Mae claim that working together comes rather easily. If there was any tension at all, it was between the band and producer Howard Benson (Relient K, All-American Rejects).
"It just comes down to having a passion for something and having a disagreement about that, but no big fights between us," says Marshall.
Mae will launch a month-long U.S. club tour on Aug.7 and hope to release a DVD later this year or early in 2008.
Here are the songs on Singularity:
"Brink Of Disaster"
Crazy 8s"
"Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone"
"Just Let Go"
"On Top"
"Waiting"
"Sic Semper Tyrannis"
"Release Me"
"Telescopes"
"Rocket"
"Home"
"Reflections"
