With every single release, Victorian singer-songwriter MAXON has been building a reputation as one of the most solid female voices on the scene. Now that her debut album Talking With Strangers is out in the world, there’s no doubt that she’s the real deal.
As someone with eclectic music taste, I appreciate the diversity of Talking With Strangers. MAXON delights in exploring different sounds. It all seems so effortless for her to move from raucously upbeat numbers like “18” and “Yabada” to heartbreaking ballads like “Best Shot” and the stunning closer, “Circles.” Often she plays in an Americana/country/folk space, but she isn’t afraid to throw us curveballs, like the synth-heavy retro pop-inspired “Tangerine Dream.”
While Talking With Strangers takes plenty of musical left turns, the album never gives listeners whiplash. It’s anchored so beautifully by MAXON’s voice. It’s rich, warm, comforting, authentic, steady. You know you’re in safe hands listening to her, so you’re open to wherever these songs take you. And then there’s MAXON’s exceptional songwriting skills. She’s a natural, writing songs that speak to the heart of her experiences as a woman and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, they do an exceptional job of introducing MAXON to music lovers.
Talking With Strangers is out now. MAXON will officially launch her debut album with a hometown show at The Toff on May 7.
Photo credit: @heapsstoked