4 stars out of 5
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Ghosts, aliens, sharks! Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! On their rockin’ new collaborative EP, MAUCH (Max Rauch) and Roe Knows Best (Rosanna O’Brien) are ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
Though the EP’s title, Weekend at Mauchie’s… Vol. 1, adds a corpse to the mix too (a play on the 80s comedy Weekend at Bernie’s), it really tells us more about what sounds to expect here. Max Rauch leads the veteran vowel-deficient rockers LKFFCT and also runs Domestic Bliss Recordings in West Orange, NJ. He’s become the go-to studio guru for the local in-the-know indie crowd. Case in point: engineering and producing the WFMU-favorite “Let Me Die in Essex County” by Chris Gethard and John Cozz, released on the renowned Don Giovanni label. Rauch’s own music, and that of the bands he’s produced, are noted for a raw, punk-infused sound that never sacrifices melody.
Meanwhile, Rosanna O’Brien is the quintessential songwriters’ songwriter, known for her sharp, clever, break-your-heart lyrics and a voice equally strong at delivering matter-of-fact truths or soaring into dreamland. She’s honed her skills on a series of Roe Knows Best singles and EPs over the past 14 years, while playing shows equally adeptly as a solo act or fronting a band.
The two artists blend their talents seamlessly on Weekend at Mauchie’s… Vol. 1.
Lead track “Ghost Town” is raw, catchy indie rock anchored by Rauch’s crisp drumming (he also plays rhythm guitar on this track). O’Brien’s lyrics take a surprising turn, revealed by guest vocalist John Cozz in as close as he’ll likely come to a rap.
“Friends With Aliens” is bouncy pop, given some intergalactic twists and turns courtesy of Rauch’s keyboard programming.
“Shark Attack!!!” feels like an ode to Liz Phair with Roe’s purposely lackadaisical vocals and Max’s unadorned guitar. Both contribute keyboard to add an 80s flavor to the overarching 90s sound.
EP closer “To Be Loved” is the heaviest song here lyrically, dealing with addiction victims and those left behind; O’Brien’s lyrics nod to the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man.” Appropriately, the song receives the most straight-ahead musical backing of the batch: charging, melodic indie rock, with Roe’s piano softening the mood just a touch.
Ken DePoto of LKFFCT and Doug Gallo, who worked on a Roe Knows Best single, add musical assistance throughout. But make no mistake, this is the Max & Roe Show. Here’s hoping for a Volume 2.
Jack Silbert, curator