Pioneer
from The Maine
[December 06, 2011 - Action Theory]
Review by Scott HeiselREVIEWS
FILE UNDER: I love the ’90s
Purchase it at:
This review originally ran in AP 282.
“All songs written by the Maine.” In a scene oversaturated with bands relying on mercenary co-writers to make their songs palatable, that credit in Pioneer’s liner notes is all the proof you need to know that the Maine have finally stepped into their own, channeling the ghost of ’90s alt-rock to sculpt one hell of an album. There’s the scorching, vintage-Weezer guitar solo in the middle of “Misery”; the post-grunge hooks of Everclear in “Some Days”; the instrumental swagger of Third Eye Blind in “Waiting For My Sun To Shine”; and the delicate balladry of Semisonic in “Jenny.” Hell, “When I’m At Home” sounds like Manchester Orchestra, another band hugely indebted to ’90s alt-rock. And really, that’s the biggest surprise on Pioneer: This album honestly, truly rocks. Not in a gimmicky pop-punk sort of way, but in an honest-to-God rock ’n’ roll way. Out of all the bands borne out of Warped Tour Nation, we never would’ve guessed the Maine would be the ones putting out rock records this consistently unique, interesting and, well, great. Don’t stop now, boys. Keep ’em coming.
"Some Days"
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they found their sound
05/23/2012 - 5:32pm by Meg
If you watch interviews from the past, The Maine had often mentioned how they were still trying to find their sound. Their previous albums and EPs never really caught my attention, because, yes, they were catchy, but they weren't as special as this. Pioneer sets them apart from the other bands they are constantly lumped together with. Yeah, yeah, Into Your Arms is cool, and I enjoy Black and White, but how can you even compare any previous works to Pioneer? This album blows everything they've done in the past out of the water lyrically and without a doubt musically. I feel like their music in the past lacked the depth this album has. The guitar sounds great! Every time I listen to this album I have a new favorite track. There is no weak point on this album. No tracks feel like space fillers. I can't compliment the band enough on this. It is so great, and I am just waiting for them to come back around to the New York area because Bamboozle was not enough to satisfy my craving to see them live.
In my car, on the radio
03/06/2012 - 6:09pm by Kayleigh Heldreth
I always wait till an album comes out in stores to listen to it, and the day i bought "Pioneer" i played it in my car, and it hasn't left the stereo, i listen to it every mood I'm in. they did an amazing job maturing and turning their music into something more than just songs on a CD. It quickly became a favorite of mine which is hard to do. "My Heroin" is tied with several others as my Favorite songs.
Nobodies Perf... The Maine
02/25/2012 - 9:00pm by Christine Nguyen
I am not crazy or fan girl-ing. The Maine is truly amazing. I love them, and they amaze me every time. I am never disappointed of them, and with their newest album. I am more proud then ever! They went with their gut and it came out amazing. Pioneer is profound and the guitar work is mind-blowing. It is a true rock album. No bodies perf... The Maine ♥
01/25/2012 - 7:53pm by JCX
So much better than any of their previous work!
senior sucsess
01/24/2012 - 1:17pm by Tyler King
i would consider this there 4th album in the row of full length sucsessfull track sheets. so there you have it, congrats guys! one of the few bands of this mood/genera that stuck around with repetitively good shows and albums one after another. they hold there place in the pop rock scene over all time low.. so take those bragging rights and hold em high!
01/13/2012 - 10:15pm by emma
Enter review
Solid and Unique
12/30/2011 - 7:54pm by Alec Myers
The Maine's Pioneer, while not being the greatest album of 2011, is definitely one of the more unique productions of 2011. The band's third album is a mixture of familiar elements form their previous albums combined with a new Southern-twang sense of style. Songs such as "Some Days" and "Misery" Hit you with catchy yet strong choruses that give a feel of progressive rock and roll. Then additions of "Like We Did" "Dont Give Up On Us" and "When I'm At Home" bring an alternative feel that really brings the album together that make you enjoy the lyrical components as well as the melodic intros and verses. Overall this is an album that any Maine fan will want to buy, and any newcomers would want to check out.
Three and a half
12/23/2011 - 11:16am by Steve Osborn
I really wanted to give this a three and a half star rating but giving it a three star was just unfair. Check out my review at http:\\OzBlozMusic.blogspot.com
The Maine
12/21/2011 - 5:02am by Moon Chalsi
First time seeing The Maine on their Pioneer Tour, being a fan for many years I haven't went to one show, thinking for their new album coming out, I could come out and see the boys and their new sound. After that night I immediately pre ordered Pioneer. When I received Pioneer, the melody was down right honest. The Maine changed gradually and gracefully. I feel that with this new image they had to take out the party pop and start taking it home with their music and that's how Pioneer was created. Not by labels or rules but, by their heart and their mind.
Pioneer
12/20/2011 - 9:47pm by Gabriela Rodriguez
I think this should have 4 1/2 or 5 stars. This album is UNBELIEVABLE. These guys wrote, co-produced and released the whole thing by themselves and it's album of the year in my opinion. They sold roughly 4000 physical copies before it was released, sold-out around 15 shows with NO co-headliners or supporting bands. The Maine just showed us what they're capable of. People from 13 year old girls to 40 year old dads love it. It is truly a masterpiece. Jared Monaco blew me away with his guitar skills, and John O'Callaghan's voice is just on a whole different level. Pat Kirch's drumming on Like We Did, Garrett Nieckelsens bass on When I'm at Home, Kennedy Brocks guitar riff on Somedays...I could go on and on Every single member proved just how talented they are.
