The album “Yours, Always” is the singer-songwriter, MAEVEN’s letter to herself, to those she loves, and to the growth and changes she has witnessed in both herself and those she surrounds herself with. With an ethereal voice, MAEVEN explores themes of adolescence, grief, and, more importantly, the love she has been witness to. Based in Quebec, the artist has been working on the album, which consists of 7 tracks, since she was 14, along with her father and her guitar.
The album starts with ‘Poison Ivy,’ and it immediately alludes to the persistent theme of grief with its soulful guitar riff and poetic lyrics. MAEVEN’s beat almost has the feel of country music to it, and the tumultuous journey she takes us on through her melody is consistent with her lyrics, which say how accepting things does not make it hurt less.
When asked about the tracks, MAEVEN admits how ‘The Bell Jar’, one of the 7 tracks, was the one she was the most honest in. Both the lyrics and the vocals feel equally haunting, with only the guitar being the most prominent instrument in the background. This helps her voice and the control she has over it even more and makes the pain and hopelessness that she wants to portray all the more pronounced.
The last track of the album, ‘A Chance Like Rain’, begins with a very mellow guitar riff, and MAEVEN’s soothing vocals afterwards only add to the calming quality of the song. Although it tackles the heavy theme of having to say goodbye, the flow and the rhythm lull you into believing it is anything but that. The artist’s expertise in navigating her way through such complex issues this gently is why this album acts as a balm to grave wounds and why each track is a masterpiece on its own.
‘Yours, Always’ has major influences, starting off with Jeff Buckley, MAEVEN’s biggest inspiration, to her uncle, Robbie Driscoll, and her producer, Winston Hauschild. The whole album feels cathartic, with the artist’s highs and lows in life being highlighted throughout the tracks, and it makes one cherish the momentariness of emotions even further. To find out more, head on over to her Spotify and prepare to shed a tear or two!
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Review by: Amelia Scott