2005, self-released

3½ out of 5

The release of Maxwell Adams’ first E.P. signified a the resurrection of a much-needed energy in the local music scene. In the preceding two years, the vast majority of bands that once formed the foundation of the East Bay rock scene had disbanded. Since 2003, we had seen the demise of Locale A.M., Growth of Alliance, Thought Crime and Fingertight. Two years before, these four groups had shared stages across the East Bay together nearly every weekend. But as often happens in the volatile world of underground music, they each eventually imploded under the strain of closing venues, label politics, internal conflict, the infamous ambiguity of ‘creative differences’ and the inevitable disillusionment and uncertainty which comes with the territory of being in an unsigned band.

Maxwell Adams was the latest of several rearrangements of members of these former cornerstone bands of the scene. Made up of vocalist/guitarist Kevin Gautschi (Growth of Alliance), guitarist Fernando Pozos (Thought Crime), bassist Garrett Fujimura and the band’s namesake, drummer Max Adams, the group quickly forged a unique and exciting sound in the few months following its inception.

This first release by the group covers a wide array of musical territory, ranging from the Growth of Alliance-esque explosive choruses of "Caress the Mule" and "Blue Heartstrings," to the bouncy funk-pop of "Plighted Trough" with its clean melodic leads that would almost fit well into a laid back Incubus or even Paul Simon tune.· Each of the five tracks displays the members’ exemplary level of musicianship.· The interplay between the guitars, the well-constructed bass lines, the use of jazz chords and mature melodic and harmonic ideas all show the abilities of the members to play their respective instruments cooperatively.

Stylistic remnants of both Growth of Alliance and Thought Crime filter their way through the band’s songwriting process, doubtlessly due to the presence of Gautschi and Pozos. On most of the tracks, Maxwell Adams comes off sounding like a slightly more driving, straight-ahead version Growth of Alliance, with a thicker layer of guitars, and no keyboards. The dark, funk-metal influenced verses and anthemic catchy choruses evoke what Growth did best, but the band is able to depart from this style on three of the five tracks.· Both guitarists matured as musicians and songwriters during the time since the demise of their former bands.

The band later went on to release one full-length album, "Intellectual Hunger Strike" and another four-song EP, "Curtain Call" before their eventual breakup.