Few bands stand out as truly original in a world that has seemingly heard it all before, Joe Maxi are that rarest of breeds that make can such a bold claim. Their newest single ‘Butterfly’ showcases one just a portion of the breadth of the Joe Maxi sound. A chaotic whirling dervish of a track that slams the visceral expression of Minor Threat against the angular prog tweakiness of King Crimson via the pop sensibilities of the Beatles and indie darlings, The Strokes. All providing the landscape for an usual love song that speaks to long distance relationships and the adoration of ones partner. Over the tracks taught 3 minute run time, it’s constantly feels the band are playing on a knifes edge, at any moment it could all fall apart. Luckily for us they see it through to its demented end.
Joe Maxi – Butterfly (Spotify link)
Jow maxi was born back in 2022 after old friends Lee Reddy (lead guitar) and Mikey Fowler (vocals/guitar) played a game of show and tell with each other, sharing their best tracks in an attempt to impress the other. These went onto become singles ‘Bo Diddley’ and ‘Cents of Reality’. Pulling members Jamie Lydon(bass) and Louis White (drums) into their gravity completed the line up and the band began crafting their one-of-a-kind sound.
Taking their respective hammers to anvil for the writing of ‘Butterfly’. During rehearsal Lee commandeered the drum stool while Mikey resurrected an old idea and in that short session they had the bones of what become the song. Once Louis took his rightful place on drums he gave it purpose and drive we hear on the song today, from the serial killer stabs at the start of the track to the jungle drums that push the verse forward. This is all underpinned by Jamie’s bass, helping keep the track anchored while Lee rips a thousand notes out of his guitar. It’s controlled mania, a squealing flurry of a solo against the pummelling riff that runs the length of the song. Mikey spills his heart on the track, as he tells us of the pursuit of his love, who’s name translates to miracle in English, ‘Her Beauty’, it’s way too valuable…She’s a butterfly, miracle in the sky”. Which is sweet and loving, but this isn’t ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’, as the chorus screams “Forgot about the hooker, forget about the cocaine”. The track barely stops for breath at all, always building and hurtling towards some manic conclusion. Even as we hit the middle and the band pull back a little it’s punctuated by a riff that sounds like its falling down the stairs, creating unease and disquiet. The vocals don’t return after the mid point, and were left to fend for ourselves amidst the avalanche of crashing cymbals, gunshot snare drums and wah pedal abuse. A fitting end to a track that keeps you on edge for its entire runtime.
The band say of the track “It’s very immediate, and it’s quite wild. The energy in the room changes when we play it at a gig.” So, when it came to record they found it difficult to replicate the same surge in the studio. Eventually deciding to play it live in the studio, it was down to Jansky at Sonic Studios to capture that energy on tape.
Taking the DIY approach to the video and drawing on inspiration from Tom Kelly and Sell Everything. The band set out with a costume and a camera, improvising as the day progressed, to create something that matches the manic energy of the track and helps give it a visual language.
Calling upon the talents of other local artists on the scene, the art work is a photo taken by @eyoukemee. The image instantly spoke to the band rounding of the visual representation for the single.