(Photo courtesy of Last.fm user "Sayshalala")
Maudslay is a band that has proven to be nearly as mysterious as the supposedly haunted state park they're named after. In an age where nearly everything is accessible online, there is virtually no trace of Maudslay -- no live footage, no blog, nothing. All we're left with is a Myspace page and a couple of photos, yet the pedigree of this band's roster alone is enough to warrant a listen. Sharing members of bands such as L'antietam, Deer Leap, and BDRM EYES, Maudslay is a little-known emo band that is revered by the few people fortunate enough to have seen them perform live.
The majority of Maudslay's songs were mid-tempo and fairly catchy, with the instruments often playing off one another, the guitars intertwining with complimentary melodies. It's very clear to hear how members of L'antietam would be involved with this project, as the guitar work in songs such as "John Lennon" sounds like a less-aggressive and clean adaptation of their earlier work, when they still were more angular and riff-oriented. Meanwhile, the vocals are airy and uneven, charmingly unpolished, fulfilling the emo standard. He can be a little too-pitchy at times (particularly some sections of the song "Skyscrapers and Sheds") but it works for the most part. If I were to compare the vocal delivery to a modern band I'd say they sound very similar to Sore Eyelids. Seriously, compare these:
"Panama Canal" - Maudslay
"365 Days of Nothing" - Sore Eyelids (vocals start at about 0:30)
Anyway, my personal favorite song, "Mostly Swim In Veins", features a more peaceful approach, reminiscent of bands like Sharks Keep Moving and My Winter Nerve. If you're unfamiliar with either of those bands, both of which deserve your attention, I strongly recommend listening to them at some point.
I think of Maudslay as a band that fit neatly into the "emo revival" spectrum, with twisting guitar work played over punchy drums, songs that are very rhythm-based, and vocal melodies that are loose but not abrasive. A short-lived hidden gem of the New Hampshire scene.
Quick aside: Two of the associated bands I mentioned, L'antietam and Deer Leap, have already broken up (actually, I think Deer Leap still exists, they're just inactive). Fortunately, last I heard, BDRM EYES is still around, although I don't think they've played a show in a while. I've seen them play twice now and both times they were very enjoyable to watch. The guitarist and bassist switched instruments mid-way through the set and it created an interesting dynamic.
Anyway, Maudslay:
DISCOGRAPHY:
Collected Discography (Contains S/T, Gauche, and Fall) | Download
OTHER LINK(S):
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