Arizona-based pop-punk band
the Maine have delivered something sweet and satisfying for their fans with their fifth studio album, 2015's
American Candy. Working with producer
Colby Wedgeworth (who was also behind the boards for the group's 2011 release
Pioneer),
the Maine have given this set of songs a polished contemporary pop sound that meshes with the band's strong but tuneful approach, and the lyrics are often thoughtful and frequently witty meditations on relationships, popular culture, and the world around us. One of the strongest independent rock bands from the Southwest,
the Maine demonstrate with
American Candy that they can creatively move forward while holding on to their strengths as songwriters and instrumentalists. ~ Mark Deming