It’s fitting that a song titled “It’s Casual” opens up Human Hearts, the newest album by indie pop purveyors Maritime. The phrase is an accurate summation of the Milwaukee quartet’s sound. Driven by a wonderfully chunky, slightly lo-fi guitar sound, this collection of songs is easy to swallow and enjoy. Sugar pill music.
Led by singer/guitarist Davey von Bohlen, formerly of The Promise Ring, the band delivers a series of finely crafted pop tunes. The group is aided by some tight production, as exhibited with bouncing stereo sound of “Air Arizona.” For the most part, even when von Bohlen’s lyrics are less then confident and sunny, like on songs like “Annihilation Eyes,” the music backing him remains upbeat. But Maritime isn’t just a one-trick pony, though, showcasing the ability to step off the jaunty path with the slow building of “Faint of Heart.”
Human Hearts makes a great soundtrack for the coming springtime. Tracks like “Paraphernalia” make a terrific soundtrack for sandal- and cargo short-adorned college kids to play while tossing a Frisbee or simply chilling on a park’s grass. Maritime’s latest album brims with an open-air breeziness that suits smiles and subtle head bobs under the spring sun.
Review Score: 7.3
*Expanded from a review in The Pacific Northwest Inlander*
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