Worried that a relational gaff may have ruined any chance at romance, a guy hopes his contrition isn’t “Too Little Too Late.” The singer is haunted by the rubble of a war zone on “Helicopters.” “Falling for the First Time” notes that “anything easy has its cost” and “anyone plain can be lovely.” Hollywood’s shallow stereotyping and the impermanence of fame take the fore on “Sell Sell Sell.” An untitled track values a woman’s support (“She held me and then she showed me the beauty of the human heart”). Other songs promote healthy self-sufficiency (“Baby Seat”), and relate the awkwardness and emotional fallout following a one-night stand (“Conventioneers”). “Go Home” tells a heartsick man to reorder his priorities, however . . .
That track alludes to a legend involving Catherine the Great and bestiality, and concludes with a shout of “f— yeah!” Though tongue-in-cheek, “Never Do Anything” expresses anger (“Got a big chip/You want a fat lip?”) and claims, “If I were the king, all my subjects . . . could kiss my ring and kiss my a–.”
The musical variety and social commentary on Maroon is really impressive. Apart from a couple choice words and an unfortunate band name, these insightful Canadian musicians have a lot going for them. A near miss.
