Now in the latter half of the year, it’s about time for some music that may still be flying under the radar. In spite of what the world has been like lately, there are still some artists who’ve been hard at work, such as MAX. Whether it’s Broadway, modelling, or music, Max Schneider has kept himself busy the last few years touring performing, and song writing. Though it had been a few years since the world last heard from him in a broader sense, MAX returned this time last year with another studio album, Colour Vision. The twelve track record is streaming on multiple platforms and only takes about half an hour to get through (the Deluxe version actually just dropped back in March!).
Colour Vision offers a mixture of different sounds and subject matter whilst also using a unique blending of different collaborations with other artists.
Colour Vision offers a mixture of different sounds and subject matter whilst also using a unique blending of different collaborations with other artists. In fact, half of his songs feature another artist apart from himself. Listeners can enjoy hearing MAX along with bbno$, Quinn XCII, SUGA of BTS, Chromeo, and Hayley Kiyoko, all in different styles and facets. The album is a mix of rhythm and blues and electro pop, showcasing a fusion of different sounds and resonations giving the listener the possibility of exploring some new territory without venturing too far away from conventional music.
Much of the album is relatable, and none of it is too terribly deep in that those listening won’t have to put an insane amount of thought into it. Working for the Weekend is a fair example, as this is most working class people’s lives packed into a song. Sung from MAX’s point of view, he simply tells about how his grind during the week is completely driven towards getting those couple of days at the end to rest or enjoy himself; though it never seems to last long enough. Love Me Less will ring familiar with those in relationships or marriages, questioning one another about the level of love they have and whether or not knowing certain information about each other could falter that feeling in any way. New Life gives the album its R&B credit, both in content and singing style as MAX plays up and down with vocal range with the occasional riff with a falsetto here and there. The closing title There is a God is no mystery to solve, being somewhat of a love ballet to his wife, and she of course, being the reason for his assessment that there is a higher power.
Colour Vision does most things right lyrically, stylistically, and aesthetically. It’s not an album that’s likely to change the course of music, but not every album needs to be that and that shouldn’t disqualify it in any way. What’s important is that MAX is staying in the game, toying with different styles and sounds, experimenting, and evolving as an artist. The album is available for stream on Spotify, purchase, and can also be found on YouTube for no charge to listen.
