Less than two years ago, drummer Cody Maracek’s departure from Marquette seemed to signal the end of Liquid Mike, with their A Beer Can And A Bouquet record as their swan song. The band all but bid farewell in the closing track There’s No Rock and Roll No More, Death To Liquid Mike.
But life unfolds in unexpected ways. Two years later, Liquid Mike is not just still around (including Maracek!), they are even dubbed the next big thing by major music platforms, with journalists dissecting the band’s lyrics and cultural roots. Meanwhile, venues are eager for the band to venture beyond their hometown, making them a sought-after commodity for the upcoming festival season.
I did not see it coming. For me, it’s much easier to imagine an alternative future, with Liquid Mike’s Mike Maple continuing to write songs that would be equally great and equally obscure, a fun distraction from his mailman duties. Maple’s songwriting has always been sharp and catchy, and I truly believe that the earlier Liquid Mike records already warranted the critical and popular acclaim the band now increasingly (and deservedly so) is receiving.
But still, I have to admit that the new Liquid Mike LP Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot is the best and most enjoyable thing the band has put on record yet. I can’t really put my finger on it. Perhaps, akin to athletes seeking a competitive edge, Liquid Mike does a lot of the little things just a little bit better? I mean, Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot by all accounts is a protypical Liquid Mike record – concise, crunchy, and dynamic indie rock blasts, recorded with a rebellious touch- too loud for lo-fi, and too raw for hi-fi. And like the previous stuff, the amount of hooks on the new LP would be annoying if the songs weren’t so hyper catchy and well-constructed.
Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot is a win-win kinda record. It’s addictive and has everything that was great about the band’s past work while taking it to a whole new level. This is the most accomplished version yet of a band that is humble and easy to like.
Press play below to hear some of your new favorite tunes, and head over to S.W. Lauden’s highly recommended Remember the Lightning substack for an insightful interview with Maple.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp