MAXO w/ Sideshow and Lordy

MAXO

with

Sideshow and Lordy

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM

All Ages

Maxo’s writing process has always been rooted in imagery, observation, and capturing moments. Growing up in Southern California, Maxo spent a lot of time combing through old family photo albums, some of whose contents have become the artwork for prior releases. But his fascination with visual memento is less about nostalgia or remembering, and more about exploring concepts of growth, healing, and cycles. His artistry is intentional and deeply sensitive: “If I’m not feeling it, I’m not gonna record.” While his past records openly grappled with emotional turbulence, anger and depression, EGHASOH is Maxo’s acceptance stage: “Move with grace still regardless of hate that will come; Half living off my word ‘fore I trailed in dust, it really just is what it was,” he spits on “Nuri”. “I can’t really judge nothing. I can’t sit up and be mad at shit because everything is, everything is kind of coexisting,” he says.

Musically, EGHASOH is an impressive evolution from Maxo’s earlier, unornamented lo-fi projects. With an emphasis on jazzy instrumentalism and soothing, intricate vocals from both the artist and featured chanteueses Liv.e, Melanie Charles, and keiyaA, EGHASOH is a welcome and beautifully complex sonic effort. Its contributors include a range of musicians: Pink Siifu, LastNameDavid, Madlib, GrayMatter, Karriem Riggins, Beat Butcha, Lance Skiiiwalker, as well as arrangement support from Mount Kimbie’s Dom Maker.

“Nobody talks about the fact that we’re changing as we get older… Everybody just acts like you supposed to know,” Maxo says about another standout, “Face of Stone”. Its moody bassline meets a cinematic accordion melody that paradoxically both broods and uplifts—a fitting production choice that mirrors the song’s story. “I’m seeing how this world is chipping you and withering your bones,” Maxo says. “I’m talking about myself, talking about my bro. [But] it’s never nothing you gonna do that’s a one stop shop in this life. You gotta keep staying diligent and consistent.” For Maxo, EGHASOH is nothing more than another moment on the timeline of his offerings of self-expression as an artist—one whose sole intention is to, in his words, develop as a human being and heal. “I need you to know where I stand right now. That’s what this album means to me. It’s my word. It’s my integrity. It’s how I feel. It’s everything on my heart, like real shit.”