The Maine have been a busy bunch this year with a brand new album and two major tours under their belt (both of which I had the privilege of going to). You would think that after just wrapping up a co-headliner with Anberlin, they would take a break and relax. You'd be wrong, for here came Imaginary Numbers, an acoustic EP filled with 5 new original songs. It was a surprise for everyone, but an incredible treat for all who listened. It would have been expected if they had included maybe an original or two with acoustic versions of songs from Forever Halloween, but the Maine seems to be anything but expected.
This EP opens with "Raining In Paris", and is not so surprisingly a romantic tune that is perfect for a rainy day. That does not mean it is bad, by any means; in fact it's one of the strongest songs on the EP. From the lyrics and John O'Callaghan's falsetto to the stripped down instrumentation of acoustic guitars, a shaker, and subtle organ lines, the song makes you think of a moonlit evening in the City of Love. The chorus is my favorite part, with some really fantastic lyrics. Lines like "what good is a heart of gold, with no one to share it" and "my heart is in the city of love, but it's raining in Paris" really stick out as creative and memorable. In fact, well done lyrics are a common theme throughout the entire EP. "Room With No Windows", for example, is not nearly as moody as the previous song, and has a lighter and more laid back air about it, which results in some great lines like "and the only two things holding me here are whisky and women", which is a side of The Maine I particularly enjoy. They always are heartfelt in their work, regardless if it's a more serious song or if they're just having fun. You can definitely feel the authenticity in this song, as well as on the rest of the album. A stand out quality of this song is John's voice, which takes on a rustic and older feel that gives the song a brooding atmosphere. He has some lines that aren't the happiest, but he is able to sing them in a manner that does not make you feel down and sad. It's a realistic vibe. That is continued on the next song, "Perfectly Out Of Key", but in a bit of a darker direction. However, it is an absolutely beautiful song, and is probably my favorite out of them all. John's falsetto comes back on this one, but it sounds pained, as if he's even struggling to get the words out. "I'm just a bad haircut, some fashion from last week, no one really knows me at all" is a line that is not only well written, but cuts deep when you really hear it. This song is an even more simplistic instrumentation than the other songs, with just a piano and the vocals, but that helps contribute to the mood even more. It is a stripped down and vulnerable song, and that is a reflection of the artistry of this group of musicians. "Visions" continues to display their artistic talent, creeping back towards the more laid-back feel while still putting genuine emotions into the song. It has a romantic feel, but makes you think of someone far away, for the song speaks of someone who can only be seen in dreams. The vulnerability continues, for John "loathes these goddamn visions, but I just can't wait to fall back to sleep". There is a sense of conflict, a desire to move on and forget but an inability to do so. The instruments are a stand out for this song, with the acoustic picking providing some contrast and the harmonica giving the song a bit of a folky feel, which fits perfectly with The Maine and their progression of sound. The EP wraps up with "Lovely Sad", an almost 7 minute long track that begins with a dreamy and mellow melody of picked guitars and a keyboard that relaxes you and sets up the tone for the rest of the song. John impresses yet again with whisper-like vocals that are gentle and beautiful. This song is definitely less about the vocals and more about the instrumental, which isn't something you find too often anymore. Bands just go for radio play, and don't just let the music go. This song is a great example of a group finding something that works and going with it. It's a perfect ending for this EP, although I definitely wish they had put more songs in. However, it is still a fantastic set of songs, and I am very glad The Maine decided to put these songs together. It is a Christmas gift from them to the fans, and they have succeeded at making great songs yet again. 5/5
Track-list:
Raining In Paris - 3:47 (5/5)
Room With No Windows - 3:44 (5/5)
Perfectly Out Of Key - 3:58 (5/5)
Visions - 4:26 (5/5)
Lovely Sad - 6:52 (4/5)
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