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Album Reviews
Kevin
Max, known to most as the enigmatic and more artistic
third of super group DC Talk, is back at long last with
his sophomore solo record, “The Imposter”. While
Max’s first album, Stereotype Be, established him
as a potentially cutting edge alternative rock artist
(garnering more than a little comparison to U2), The
Imposter takes a decidedly more rock and roll approach.
Given his present company in Andy Prickett
and the Northern Records crew, it’s no surprise he finds
his wings with this album.
“The Imposter” really took me back at first
because the sound is so different than what I had
suspected it would be. It definitely takes a bit to grow
on you as it has way more in common with David
Bowie than U2, but grow on you it
does. With each listen the album seems stronger and new
intricacies are revealed. Max sounds like a man possessed
on the opening rocker “Confessional Booth” in
which he echoes the sentiment “I take back everything
I said that ever caused you pain or stress” over and
over. The title track boasts an eighties-ish keyboard
driven pop rocker that is both catchy and intelligent.
The soulful piano led “When He Returns” is
certainly a nod to Max’s history and vocal talent as well
as an album highlight.
While this album certainly grew on me (a lot) after
repeated listens/absorbing it’s not devoid of awkward
moments. “Stay” is a good concept that falls short
in delivery and the epic album ending “Fade to Red (Antigalaxy)”
is certainly as cloudy and confusing sounding as they
come. Again, probably a great idea but it just feels like
it’s going nowhere.
All in all this is a solid sophomore effort.
Realistically this has so little in common with
“Stereotype Be” that it’s like comparing apples and
oranges. What I love about this album though is how
honest and real it appears to be. Kevin Max has been
through a lot and has been the subject of much debate and
speculation since DC Talk went on hiatus
and this album feels like it was made for him rather than
his fans. That should always be applauded and I’m sure it
will resonate with music lovers worldwide.
Key Tracks: Confessional Booth, When He Returns
~Mark Fisher
No matter what mood you’re
in, regardless of your state of mind, Kevin Max’s
“The Imposter” has something for you. A truly
eclectic compilation, this solo CD draws on musical
styles ranging from tranquil and melodic songs of
worship to energetic and dynamic praises reminiscent of
Jesus Freak. If the fantastic vocals of the former DC
Talk’er isn’t enough to make this CD stand out, Max
combines it with solid instrumentals. The end result
offers the listener diversity at its finest.
The piano intro of “Your Beautiful Mind” leads
into lyrics of prayerful meditation, while the cut
“Platform” relies on the artist’s strong vocal
talent to draw the listener into contemplating the
internal struggles we all face with our faith. If you’re
mood is leaning toward classic rock, try The Royal Path.
Just when you think Max has reached the limits of
variety, he launches into the rhythm and blues
spiritual, When He Returns.
That Kevin Max is an extraordinarily talented performer
has never been in doubt. His ability to translate that
talent into an accessible form, however, has often come
into question. “The Imposter” effectively settles
that issue. This album proves that Kevin Max is much
more than one-third of a formerly great band.
~Shelley Pence
This former dcTalk vocalist relocated from Nashville to
Los Angeles, a city famous for dashing dreams. Kevin’s
newest solo album (and first with Northern Records), is
an ear-opening, poetic, Alt-Rock project he calls The
Imposter. This album is about the fight between the
flesh and the spirit. The first single, “Sanctuary,”
is a pulsating tune full of chiming rock guitar. Max
has the ultimate hope for a heavenly home, [...so hand
me the keys to your kingdom/Give me back my Garden of
Eden/Lead me to a place that I can call my own, a home,
a Sanctuary.] The Imposter is so incisive,
artistic, and uncompromising, and the album is so
reflective of his new LA life. This album blends the
musical influences of U2, Jeff Buckley,
and Blur, and the result is a fusion of
pop and rock with Kevin’s signature style.
~Power Source Magazine
click here to launch the Kevin Max - The Imposter
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