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Maritime’s debut Glass Floor showed a lot of promise. Davey Von Bolen’s songwriting had reached a new level of maturity, but there was still something about it that suggested he wasn’t absolutely comfortable in the post-Promise Ring garments he had donned. The songs seemed unwilling to deviate from simple up-tempo indie or mournful acoustic pieces, leaving listeners with just enough gems to brighten up the dull patches. We, The Vehicles, however, is a much different story.

Maritime’s sophomore effort displays a band that seems much more comfortable and developed. Most of the songs are quick and pulsing, yet they feel relaxed thanks to the fact that the guitars aren’t overbearing, or overused. Yes, there are plenty of moments of warm and fuzzy indie rock, but there is also plenty of room for Maritime’s secret weapon, former Dismemberment Plan bassist Erix Axelson, to get his groove on.

The new, more unperturbed feel of the band also comes from Von Bolen’s voice. He may still warrant the adjective “boyish,” but it is no longer because of the vulnerable emo timbre he once sported, but rather because of a new more hushed and comforting tone. His vocals are often soothing and light, adding a layer of airy beauty or playful simplicity to otherwise driving songs.

Maritime have also expanded their indie pop songwriting parameters on We, The Vehicles. Opener “Calm,” shows off a speedy, more pulsing style, while “Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts” and “Don’t Say You Don’t” yield a disco-punk vibe thanks to their dance-based beats. Even when Von Bolen busts out an acoustic the band sounds fresh. Songs like “No One Will Remember” and “German Engineering” show that unplugged no longer has to equal somber or down tempo.

After hearing Maritime’s second album, Glass Floor seems more like a transitional work than a debut. Sure, Von Bolen had successfully shed his emo past, but Maritime still sounded like they were trying to fit in with the indie pop crowd rather than being actual members of it. Now with We, The Vehicles, Von Bolen and company not only sound like they fit in, but, like they have a few things to teach the rest of the gang.



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    Posted by shot_in_the_dark on 2007-03-30 23:59:33

    great record. what's wrong with comfortable indie-pop?

    Posted by moos on 2006-05-07 14:35:00

    "The new, more unperturbed feel of the band also comes from Von Bolen’s voice. He may still warrant the adjective “boyish,” but it is no longer because of the vulnerable emo timbre he once sported, but rather because of a new more hushed and comforting tone. His vocals are often soothing and light, adding a layer of airy beauty or playful simplicity to otherwise driving songs. "

    once again: this review does not make much sense since you obviously never heard The Promise Ring's "Wood/Water".

    Punknews.org can do better than is. anyone who's gonna write a proper review?

    Posted by moos on 2006-05-07 14:30:05

    "Maritime’s debut Glass Floor showed a lot of promise. Davey Von Bolen’s songwriting had reached a new level of maturity, but there was still something about it that suggested he wasn’t absolutely comfortable in the post-Promise Ring garments he had donned. The songs seemed unwilling to deviate from simple up-tempo indie or mournful acoustic pieces, leaving listeners with just enough gems to brighten up the dull patches. We, The Vehicles, however, is a much different story. "

    have you ever listened to The Promise Ring's "Wood/Water"?

    poor review. cool album.

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-05-07 12:38:28
    My Score:

    I don't quite agree with all the positive comments. I thought Glass Floor, and definitely the EP that preceeded it, were awesome. This sounds like generic indie-pop to me. Glass Floor sounded like a mix between late Promise Ring and Love. It was rad.

    Posted by cantsitstill on 2006-05-06 16:56:47
    My Score:

    eh, it's nothing great, but not bad... i'd of course rather have another Promise Ring album as opposed to this. whatever happened to Vermont?

    Posted by billr on 2006-05-06 16:48:34
    My Score:

    Best album of the year by far!

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 4:06 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I don't know why that haven't reviewed KINGS OF LEON : AHA SHAKE HEARTBREAK yet!!!

    Posted by Jesse on 2006-05-06 12:26:10

    I was going to write this review, but I heard there was one in the queue. Here's what I would have added:

    There' s a lot of influence from 80s alternative bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine in the layers of guitars that are on this album. They've made the transition into a more straight forward 4/4 kind of indie rock that really suits them as a band where Glass Floor felt like remnants from Wood/Water and the work Davey did with Vermont.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 11:03 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I love this album. "Tearing Up The Oxygen" is the song of the year so far. I also love the Minus The Bear vibe in "Young Alumni."

    Maritime and Minus The Bear need to tour together.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 4:20 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I'm the ass clown who kept asking for the Maritime review. This is the album of the year.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 12:56 PM (EDT)

    This record is only o. K. , just like the last. It doesnt come close to wood/water. Bolans kinda washed up these days. Lets see him grow some hair (balls) and write a hardcore record. Hahahahaha

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 11:27 AM (EDT)

    I really love this cd.

    who ever wrote that this is 'gay' shouldnt have listened to it.
    Maritime kicks ass

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 10:38 AM (EDT)

    This CD is not punk, why is it on PunkNews?, it's so gay. Worst CD ever, it's really boring.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 at 10:14 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Calm" is my single of the year thus far.

    Posted by maverick on 2006-05-05 09:48:21
    My Score:

    This record is the perfect sequel to the Promise Ring's Wood/Water, just a bit peppier and uptempo. Blows away the first Maritime record. Great album to relax to.

    -Scott8

    Posted by OverDefined on 2006-05-05 09:43:30
    My Score:

    I just checked out the mp3s. It sounds good. Thanks doing what good reviews should do- make me want to check something out or stay away from it.

    Posted by cash_money_hustla on 2006-05-05 01:38:49

    Well, heres the f'n Maritime review.

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