It’s fitting that a song titled “It’s Casual” opens up Human Hearts, the newest album by indie pop purveyors Maritime. The phrase is an accurate summation of the Milwaukee quartet’s sound. Driven by a wonderfully chunky, slightly lo-fi guitar sound, this collection of songs is easy to swallow and enjoy. Sugar pill music.
Led by singer/guitarist Davey von Bohlen, formerly of the Promise Ring, the band delivers a series of finely crafted pop tunes. The group is aided by some tight production, as exhibited with bouncing stereo sound of “Air Arizona.” Maritime isn’t just a one-trick pony, though, showcasing the ability to step off the jaunty path with the slow building of “Faint of Heart.”
Human Hearts makes a great soundtrack for the coming springtime. Tracks like “Paraphernalia” make a terrific soundtrack for sandal- and cargo short-adorned college kids to play while tossing a Frisbee. Maritime’s latest album brims with an open-air breeziness that suits smiles and subtle head bobs under the spring sun.
DOWNLOAD: “Air Arizona”
