Review: The Maine enter the You Are OK era

“You Are OK is a huge step from some of the experimental sounds from Forever Halloween and Pioneer. The listener can see how much maturing the band has done across the 12 years they have been active. All in all The Maine reminded us that you ARE okay.”

Arizona quintet, The Maine is back with another album. You are OK is the band’s seventh studio album since the band formed in 2007.

Having grown up and matured in the 12 years they’ve been active, YAO was expected to be a culmination of those growing pains we saw from the 2017 release of Lovely Little Lonely.

While the 10-track album still carries similar sounds from their 2017 release, it’s more reminiscent of a mature Black and White.

The final track on the album “Flowers on the Grave” is highly reminiscent of the B&W‘s “Growing Up.” However instead of “Growing up won’t bring us down” lead singer John O’Callaghan leads the listener to believe that maturing isn’t bad, but rather a process of life. One that much like memories and keepsakes, can be cherished and not forgotten.

Prior to the albums release, “Numb Without You” actually had me worried about the album. While catchy, the song seems like a different take on “Bad Behavior” and doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.

“Slip the Noose” is the first song on the album and kick starts the album’s overarching theme that you are indeed okay. This song highlights the concept of things working themselves out. In this sense the right person came into the picture at the right time, “I was on the verge of breaking down then you came around and not a second too late.”

Musically “Slip the Noose” is The Maine through and through. The high energy guitars and uptempo drums are a staple that people tend to associate with the band. However, the tempo of the song is very close to “Black Butterflies and Deja Vu” from LLL.

“Broken Parts” is one that will easily get stuck in your head and is incredibly radio friendly.

“I Feel it All Over” has an underlying 80’s vibe to it and really feels different from the rest of YAO. The mix adds a great depth to the overall feel of the record.

Incredibly cute and uplifting for anyone who has experienced a long distance relationship, “One Sunset” is a cute song towards the end of the of the album.

One of the strongest songs on the record, “Heaven, We’re Already Here” brings in orchestral elements and depth. O’Callaghan sings “Life is crazy baby, don’t forget the seat belt,” a nice take on the “buckle up, it’s a wild ride” without the cliche. Making this song lyrically one of the strongest on the album.

Overall, the album is what fans expected from The Maine, who are still able to make amazing music. You Are OK is a huge step from some of the experimental sounds from Forever Halloween and Pioneer. The listener can see how much maturing the band has done across the 12 years they have been active.

All in all The Maine reminded us that you ARE okay.

You can stream You Are OK here. Following their upcoming spring tour, The Maine will be headlining Sad Summer Festival alongside State Champs, Mayday Parade and The Wonder Years in select cities throughout the summer.