Maple Run Band (from the album Used to Be the Next Big Thing

Maple Run Band (from the album Used to Be the Next Big Thing

Maple Run Band (from the album Used to Be the Next Big Thing available on Back Pasture Music) (by Bryant Liggett)
Pinning The Maple Run Band with the Alt County moniker leaves a lot of sounds out that the Northern Vermont-based quartet. Feels limiting for the Maple Run Band who have a very Roots Rock-based approach to not only the Alternative Country yet equally toss around jangly Pop and Cow Punk. Keeping the genre wheel spinning, Used to Be the Next Big Thing delivers a few slowed down ballads and straight-ahead, gut-punching, Rock and Roll with a commercial radio appeal. Put a time stamp on the band and they fit right in with early purveyors of Alt Country (Bottle Rockets, Old 97’s, Jason & The Scorchers) from the late 80’s/early90’s. West Coast Paisley Underground punks of the early 1980’s could easily dance with to the bar band version of NRBQ circa 1970.
Maple Run Band maintain a humorous mindset. Claiming “used to be the next big thing” on the opening title track; a rollicking, hand-clap heavy cut that rattles off RockStar costumes and other misfires the true next big things exhausted in their day. To kick things off, the track is a great opener. “Loretta” is pure Country, a harmony-heavy weeper ripe for every Country music accolades. Maple Run Band keep the Old-School Country vibe going on “Tears of a Fool”.
That aforementioned 80’s vibe, the one that is a bit Roots and a little New Wave could never be more prevalent than on the bouncy drive of “When You’re Around”. Used to Be the Next Big Thing is a great package of tunes. The songwriting of frontman Trevor Crist, the always present, perfectly filled guitar of Bill Mullins, and the harmonies of Crist and drummer Nicole Valcour really make Used to Be the Next Big Thing with present-day broad appeal. One cut tempts you, the rest of the record keep you hungry for more. (by Bryant Liggett)
Listen and buy the music of Maple Run Band on AMAZON
Please go to the Maple Run Band website for more purchase and artist information