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Photo: Lucas Kuhl

Meet maxime., the Canadian force who sees pop music as a formula to be broken. With the release of his six-track EP mile end (kiss ur friends), maxime. offers a fresh perspective on familiar sounds and the concept of cruising indie pop. The listener experiences a sonic universe with a myriad of details and challenging sounds, but the EP as a whole still captures an easy-breezy summer feeling.

The first and focus track, “wedgie,” introduces maxime.’s range of sounds. From PC music-inspired elements to quirky sound effects (was that a bonk?), it’s clear that his artistry crosses boundaries and pushes back on expectations. A groovy bass line keeps the track grounded, an open invitation into maxime.’s sonic world. On making the track, the avant-garde musician recalls, “I think I was sad when I wrote this, but I am happy it doesn’t sound like I was. This song is too fun to be sad while listening to it.”

Each track on the EP carries a different feeling, portrayed through its layered offering of experimental production that showcases maxime.’s range of sound. “mile end,” the title track and a clear standout, displays impressively deep vocals as maxime. sings, “I’m losing my place / I can’t feel my face.” In “vacation,” listeners are transported to name-dropped locations communicated through funky spoken word vocals and a relaxed sonic vibe. It’s easy to get lost in the busy yet captivating sonics of “mind condition (good as new),” where computer-generated production elements are reintroduced and surely welcomed.

The closing track on mile end (kiss ur friends), titled “cherry stems,” is another stand-out moment. With cheeky rhyme schemes and yet another tantalizing beat in tow, maxime. completes a thoroughly enjoyable EP on a high note. Ending with a classic fade-out that’s cut abruptly short, we’re left with a feeling that encapsulates the whole listening experience to a tee.

Alongside the EP release, maxime. announced his debut headlining North American tour, which will take place in July. With a sound this intriguing, we’re sure to keep our eye on this budding experimentalist as he continues to take listeners on a sonic journey they won’t soon forget.

Listen to mile end (kiss ur friends) below: