Maxo is in control of a new element, and MARS IS ELECTRIC is potent in this unique energy that fuels the listener throughout the project.
Maxo is known to build a new world with each record that accentuates genre fusion, reflects on the past, and sprinkles in some interdimensional travel. Theoretically, if a being from outside this world were to arrive on earth, it might have difficulty communicating complicated thoughts in a way for humans to easily comprehend. Yet, MARS IS ELECTRIC is the most recent example where expression isnât diluted. The opening moments on "All of Everythingâ feels like waking up from an indigo-deep sleep in the middle of the forest to the sounds of monkeys, birds, river streams, and the whispering voice of the wind. Then, as you notice the sun shining through the trees while you lay on a hammock, Maxo helps you recall the night before on the opening verse of âSaturday Love (Cherry)â. Throughout his career, Maxo can be clearly recognized as someone who understands the world we all live in, but challenges the listener to experience life his way.
Leading up to this new album, I found myself listening to Maxoâs 2020 verse on Earl Sweatshirtâs âFeet of Clay (Deluxe)â - âWhole Worldâ.
âEyes to my feet, canât stand what I see // The world around me steady crumblinââ
These words have been swirling around my mind for the past month as I watched protests happen in LA, bombs continue to fall in Palestine, and people across the world gasp, hold their breath, or take action. In a time where so much anxiety, unrest, and uncertainty is re-entering our atmosphere, Maxoâs COVID-19-coded âWhole Worldâ verse gave me an odd sense of familiarity, with a small dose of hope.
Now, Maxo teaches me once again that there is beauty in the struggle on âSweet n Sourâ. Then, I found it easy to catch the groove similar to a spaceshipâs bumpy detour through Saturnâs rings. Before long, âDonahooâs Chickenâ bumped so hard the ship ran into a few asteroids, then âHuman ?â diverted the journey towards the equally rewarding and necessary crash landing. Thatâs when âLudacrisâ and âMars is Electricâ revealed a vintage Maxo- a version we have yet to fully see in this new era, and effectively reminding the listener why we trusted him throughout this journey. Finally, âAnythingâ gives us an emotional return back home, feeling grateful and inspired to keep one another smiling together. Maxo always reminds me to appreciate today and reflect on yesterday, while MARS IS ELECTRIC is a tour of tomorrow.
â Quincy Davis