Photo courtesy of Maya Eiben.

“It’s not the size of the dog, it’s the bite of the dog,” chants AJ Grey, prowling through the crowd at El Rocko lounge, piercing fans with an inescapable gaze. Self-described as “grunge with a kiss of metal,” The Maxines are a Savannah-based band bursting at the seams with love for their craft and devotion to their message. With an authentic approach to lyricism and organic method of composing their songs, they’re taking the local scene by storm, attracting a diverse cult of dedicated music fans. Consisting of singer AJ Grey, Emma Smith on bass, and twins Maddie and Coco Oke on guitar and drums, this headbanging quartet is full of femme rage and a call for change, whether you like it or not. 

The Maxines formed in 2021, a year in which “we all felt a little lost,” as described by Grey. “I had tried to form bands in the past, and they never worked. And I was like, okay, I’m going to try one more time, but this time, it’s going to be with all women.” Smith joined the band shortly after the album release bash in 2023. “Emma was always at our shows,” said Grey. “So she already knew all the songs.”

One of the band’s defining qualities happens to be their identity as a girl band. “In this world, we have to [support each other], because we’re always having to fight for our space and fight for our right to claim our space. And so to be surrounded by other women that are aware of that…that is really empowering,” Grey told me, describing the band as a singular ecosystem rather than a collection of separate entities. “When I’m on stage with these women, it is only support. Only this feeling of, ‘we’re gonna crush it. I support you, I believe in you.’” 

And the on-stage chemistry is impossible to miss. As Grey charges into the audience, Coco and Smith hold down the fort with a rhythm section comparable to clockwork, tied together by Maddie’s ethereal guitar playing. Each band member deeply engages with their individual instrument while staying in tune with each other simultaneously, producing a pristine sound that is true to the studio recordings of their debut album, Skin Tight.

Released on October 1st, 2023, Skin Tight is a heavy, grungy album dripping with anger, passion, and electric, masterful musicianship. Opening with the defiant tune Salmon Pants, the band unapologetically channels a collective outrage against the patriarchy and explores a broad yet universal truth: reflecting on how women face the audacity of men on an all-too-frequent basis, primarily in public spaces. The song doesn’t hold back: as the guitar builds up with fury and the drums louden, Grey sings, “Fuck your shitty integrity, fuck your condescending approval, it doesn’t mean anything to me.”

While The Maxines embody plenty of feminine fury, their lyrical subject matter covers more than just issues unique to women. “We’re not talking about specific gendered issues necessarily all the time. It’s just human issues,” said Maddie. 

Take their title track, Skin Tight, a perfect example of everything The Maxines stands for: a call to action, specifically, a call to “go against it,” according to Grey. Skin Tight is more than an invitation to the listener, it’s a challenge. Challenging their listeners is one of the many things The Maxines do best, asking, “Don’t you cry for him? Don’t you moan for him? Don’t you bleed for him?” on top of a heavy, Alice In Chains-esque riff and a headbang-worthy rhythm. 

“We’re very prone to stay comfortable,” Grey told me. “And in order to stay comfortable, we keep our mouths shut. We put our blinders on. We protect our hearts by not exposing them.” 

While their lyrics are an important aspect of their band identity, it would be a sin not to touch upon what the band refers to as “The Maxines Sound,” a unique mixture of each member’s influences. Grey’s stage presence and vocal cadences stem from that of femme rock legends like Joan Jett and Gwen Stefani. The Oke twins credit bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and other alt rock legends, along with heavier grunge bands of the 1990s. 

“One of [the] biggest bands that I love is Stone Temple Pilots,” said Smith. She also credits Alice in Chains, alongside classic rock bands and contemporary rock. “I’m a ‘Rock Band’ kid. So, anything that was on there or Guitar Hero.”

“When it comes to the Maxines sound, I think that that kind of goes back to how we operate as a band…being like one ecosystem,” said Grey. Originally, Salmon Pants was a thrashy, eight minute long tune, until the band settled on toning it down to fit their grungier spirit. The band credits their instinctive chemistry as a group when it comes to their free-flowing songwriting process, which relies on their instrumental communication when building, changing and evolving their songs. This results in that authentic, raw, emotionally-driven feel.

The Maxines debuted a fresh new tune, Bloodstains, live at El Rocko lounge in early February. It’s passionate, gritty, and features a killer bass riff. “The idea behind that song is [that] I kind of have a problem with people jumping on a train just for the sake of jumping on the train,” said Grey. “My parents have always told me, do your own research, be inquisitive, ask your own questions…so I kind of just have a problem with things not being authentic, and things not being real.” 

Bloodstains is also one of the first songs written with Smith. “I’’ve never written anything before. So it’s really [great] to get creative with learning new things. And [Bloodstains] was very fun to write with them, because…everybody has ideas here and there for each other’s [musical] parts,” Smith told me.

In terms of what’s next, the band hopes to start branching out into other Southern states, as well as playing with some experimentation on their next album. “We’re doing some things that we haven’t done before, which is really exciting,” said Grey. With a debut like Skin Tight, it’s only natural to get pumped about what’s happening behind the scenes. You can catch The Maxines at local venues such as Lodge of Sorrows and El Rocko lounge for a hard and heavy theatrical performance, as well as Southbound Brewery on May 4th for the Hello Summer Fiesta. 

With that being said, The Maxines are bound to leave a legacy behind on the Savannah music scene, which is exploding with a variety of other hard rock, metal, and punk bands. An experience a live show with The Maxines is nothing short of special, and, most importantly, inclusive. “You can tell [the Savannah music scene] is a safe space for a lot of people,” said Coco. 

“For us to be offering that space where [everyone] can just come and they can just be their authentic selves and feel safe and loved and and feel like they belong,” said Grey, “that’s an honor.” The band is living proof that dedication to their cause doesn’t only benefit their image, but those that engage with the band. The Maxines are near and dear to Savannah, forming a bond with the city, the scene, and the music lovers involved, that is, for lack of a better term, Skin Tight.

The post Real Talk With The Maxines appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Want to close out the festival strong? Here’s SCAD Radio’s guide to the bands playing on Sunday at 2017 Welcome to Rockville.

Def Leppard

Def Leppard is one of those bands that is first to come to mind when someone mentions hair metal. And it’s a good thing too, since Def Leppard is one of the best bands to come out of that era. With music that’s technical and heavy enough to be metal, but with pop sensibilities and a glam rock aesthetic that make it impossible not to dance when someone throws on one of the band’s mega hits. The band has earned its place in rock and roll history and you’ll definitely want to see what that’s like in person. Def Leppard is a band that is sure to close out the festival right.

For Fans Of: Van Halen, Whitesnake, Skid Row

For a Taste: ”Pour Some Sugar On Me” from Transmissions

Chevelle

There were a lot of bands that came out of the late 90s and early 00s. Out of those bands, very few made music that was worthwhile and held up over time. Chevelle, however, was not one of those bands. They too started off at that same time, but they started by making catchy hard rock and have kept putting out incredibly high quality music. Be sure to catch Chevelle if you’re a fan of hard rock or alternative metal.

For Fans Of: Bush, Finger Eleven, Fuel

For a Taste: ”The Red” from Wonder What’s Next

Seether

Every wondered what a post grunge, heavy metal love child would sound like? Well, if you were, Seether is the example you’re looking for. This South African band is one of the most recognizable of the bands that came out of the early 2000s. Whether it’s the catchy “Fake It”, “Broken” featuring Evanescence’s Amy Lee, or their grungy cover of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper”, Seether are guaranteed to get you to start having fun when their music comes on. If you feel like moving and love grunge, metal, or both, make sure you catch Seether when they take the stage at Welcome to Rockville.

For Fans Of: Theory of a Deadman, Puddle of Mudd, Stone Sour

For a Taste: ”Careless Whisper” from Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces

Papa Roach

Many dismiss Papa Roach as simply one of those bands that they really liked when they were younger. But what people don’t realize is how well made Papa Roach’s music actually is and how well it holds up. The hard rock instrumental compliments Jacoby Shaddix’s vocals so well to create a perfect blend. This band revolutionized hard rock in the early 2000s. If you’re a fan of Papa Roach, you know how great they are. If you haven’t listened in a while, go check them out while you’re at Welcome to Rockville. You might be pleasantly surprised.

For Fans Of: Staind, Breaking Benjamin, Hoobastank

For a Taste: ”Last Resort” from Infest

Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace may no longer have Adam Gontier at the helm, but that doesn’t lessen them anymore. The band is still producing some of the best in anthemic hard rock music. The guitars are still loud as ever and behind them is some really strong rhythm work. The new vocalist, Matt Walst, brings something new to the band without sacrificing anything that Adam brought before him. Instead of the dread that many felt with Gontier’s departure, a sense of rejuvenation shrouds the band. Three Days Grace is currently the strongest that they have been in years.

For Fans Of: Skillet, Shinedown, P.O.D.

For a Taste: ”I Hate Everything About You” from Three Days Grace

Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge is what happened when the music making portion of Creed was revived and started working with Myles Kennedy. The band is back in full force after Kennedy returned from working from Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Slash and Creed took a break again. The band shows the potential that was held by Creed and shows us what a great hard rock/metal album can sound like. The band’s work was realized in pop culture as well, as “Metalingus” became WWE’s The Edge’s final entrance theme. If you want to dance to some quality hard rock with soaring vocals, be sure to see Alter Bridge at this year’s festival.

For Fans Of: Pop Evil, Adelita’s Way, Rev Theory

For a Taste: ”Metalingus” from One Day Remains

Amon Amarth

Raise your horns! Many associate viking metal with a sort of tacky gimmick, but Amon Amarth completely shatters that stereotype. The band creates some top notch melodic death metal that simply has a lyrical focus of Norse mythology. There are soaring guitars, crushing vocals, driving drums drenched in blast beats, and a whole lot of fun. Anyone who has seen Amon Amarth before can easily tell you how much fun their show is. The performance is perhaps the best in death metal — ever — and make it something you don’t want to miss.

For Fans Of: Arch Enemy, Insomnium, At The Gates

For a Taste: ”Twilight of the Thunder God” from Twilight of the Thunder God

Gojira

So you’re looking for a band to bring heavy riffs, technical bass work, intricate drum patterns, and guttural vocals? Gojira has got you covered. This French death metal band is coming to Welcome to Rockville after several Grammy nominations and a new album, Magma. The music is equal parts catchy and heavy. If you’re looking to mosh and move and simply have a whole lot of fun, make sure you catch Gojira when they hit the stage at this year’s Welcome to Rockville.

For Fans Of: Meshuggah, Opeth, The Haunted

For a Taste: L’Enfant Sauvage

In This Moment

In This Moment launched to cult success in the mid 2000s after becoming a Myspace phenomenon. Now the band is 9 albums deep, and they never slowed down. The band is bringing some of the best female-fronted metal to ever hit the scene. Like heavy breakdowns infused with electronic elements? Well then, be sure to see In This Moment when they perform at this year’s Welcome to Rockville festival.

For Fans Of: Butcher Babies, Lacuna Coil, New Years Day

For a Taste: ”Blood” from Blood

Of Mice & Men

Mosh hungry? Of Mice & Men has you covered. The California band has been providing the loud rock community with consistent and influential metalcore music for years. Employing a mix of harsh vocals and clean singing, the band’s discography has songs that will make you both sing along to and others that will make you rage. Often, though, the songs will make you do both in the same song. So if you want to headbang, mosh, or just hear some good music, be sure to see Of Mice & Men at 2017 Welcome to Rockville.

For Fans Of: Memphis May Fire, We Came as Romans, blessthefall

For a Taste: “Second & Sebring” from Of Mice & Men

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The Rest of Sunday’s Exciting Lineup:

The Dillinger Escape Plan

Genre: Metalcore, Math Rock

For Fans Of: Converge, Between the Buried and Me, He is Legend

For a Taste: “Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants” from Miss Machine

Motionless in White

Genre: Metalcore, Industrial Metal

For Fans Of: Ice Nine Kills, Rob Zombie, Attack Attack!

For a Taste: “Reincarnate” from Reincarnate

Nothing More

Genre: Alternative Rock

For Fans Of: Devour the Day, 10 Years, Art of Dying

For a Taste: “Jenny” from Nothing More

Beartooth

Genre: Metalcore, Post Hardcore

For Fans Of: The Color Morale, Being as an Ocean, Our Last Night

For a Taste: “In Between” from Disgusting

Every Time I Die

Genre: Metalcore, Hardcore

For Fans Of: The Chariot, Poison the Well, Glassjaw

For a Taste: “The Coin Has a Say” from Low Teens

Rival Sons

Genre: Hard Rock

For Fans Of: Led Zeppelin, Wolfmother, The Winery Dogs

For a Taste: ”Pressure and Time” from Pressure & Time

Attila

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: Emmure, Upon a Burning Body, Thy Art is Murder

For a Taste: ”About That Life” from About That Life

Kyng

Genre: Heavy Metal, Stoner Metal

For Fans Of: Corrosion of Conformity, KXM, Anti-Mortem

For a Taste: ”Electric Halo” from Burn the Serum

Sylar

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: Cane Hill, Texas in July, I the Breather

For a Taste: “Assume” from Help!

Fire From the Gods

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: Betraying the Martyrs, Kingdom of Giants, Breakdown of Sanity

For a Taste: “Excuse Me” from Narrative

Cover Your Tracks

Genre: Post Hardcore

For Fans Of: Out Came the Wolves, Dangerkids, Dayshell

For a Taste: “Spin The Bottle” from Fever Dream

For more on 2017 Welcome to Rockville, stay tuned to scadradio.org

The post 2017 Welcome to Rockville Guide – Day 2 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Want to plan out the first day of the festival? Here’s SCAD Radio’s guide to the bands playing on Saturday at 2017 Welcome to Rockville.

Soundgarden

Soundgarden is one of those bands that simply needs no introduction. The Seattle band is one of the most influential grunge bands to ever take the stage. Even though they paved the road for other grunge bands with Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Alice in Chains, Soundgarden is one of those bands from the early 90s which has held up in every single way. Chris Cornell’s distinct voice accompanied by a driving rhythm section and heavy distorted guitar are sure to be a perfect way to end Day 1 of the 2017 Welcome to Rockville festival.

For Fans Of: Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Blind Melon

For a Taste: “Fell on Black Days” from Superuknown

A Perfect Circle

Most people know Maynard James Keenan as the frontman for Tool. What they might not know is that he and an old guitar tech for Tool went on to extend their brand of artistic alternative metal in a side project called A Perfect Circle. The five-piece band creates a melancholy and avant garde variety of rock and has worked with bands like Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins. If you like odd time signatures, intricate rhythms, and just plain ol’ quality metal, be sure to check out A Perfect Circle at 2017 Welcome to Rockville.

For Fans Of: Deftones, Tool, Sevendust

For a Taste: “Judith” from Mer De Noms

The Offspring

Punk fans rejoice! The Offspring are coming to this year’s edition of Welcome to Rockville and are sure to put on one crazy show. Armed with classics like “Self Esteem” and “Come Out and Play” as well as fun jams like “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”, their performance is sure to have something for everyone. Dexter Holland’s vocals mix perfectly with the rest of the band’s punk instrumentals to provide what is sure to be one of the best sets of the night.

For Fans Of: Sum 41, NOFX, zebrahead

For a Taste: “Self Esteem” from Smash

Mastodon

Are you a progressive metal fan? If not, you sure will be by the end of this set. In seeing Mastodon you’ll get a healthy dose of soaring technical guitarwork, a blend of 4 different vocal styles, and a groovy rhythm section. Whether you’re a fan of Sikth or Between the Buried and Me, Mastodon is certain to give you a hearty dose of the prog metal you love and leave you wanting more.

For Fans Of: Gojira, Vildhjarta, Shokran

For a Taste: “Blood and Thunder” from Leviathan

Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria may have started off as a simple rock trio in 1995, but they have quickly become one of the most prolific names in progressive rock since then. The band has been expertly mixing progressive rock in the vein of Rush with emocore and post hardcore remniscent of Saosin and Thrice since their official forming as Coheed and Cambria in 2001. Flamboyant guitar riffs, strong drums, and catchy bass lines are all topped with the vocals of Claudio Sanchez to create some of the freshest music you will hear in a long time.

For Fans Of: Rush, Circa Survive, The Mars Volta

For a Taste: “Welcome Home” from Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness

Pierce the Veil

High energy? Check. Soaring vocals? Check. Distortion drenched guitars? Check. An agressive rhythm section with a hint of Latin flair? Check. Pierce the Veil has got it all and has deservedly become one of the most beloved post hardcore bands of all time. The band has been playing sold out shows for years to hundreds of adoring fans and aim to keep progressing after releasing Misdaventures, their first album since 2012’s Collide With The Sky. If you’re looking for a good show, lots of fun, and some really good music, Pierce the Veil is a band you don’t want to miss out on at this year’s festival.

For Fans Of: Sleeping With Sirens, From First To Last, Get Scared

For a Taste: “Dive In” from Misadventures

The Pretty Reckless

Despite having a lead singer who rose to fame through the television program Gossip Girl, this band knows how to throw down. Playing a fun variety of hard rock, the band combines a heavy rhythm section, guitars and bass layered in various fuzz and distortion effects, and Taylor Momsen’s vocals. If you’re looking for a good time with a band that knows how to have fun onstage, The Pretty Reckless is the band for you. Make sure to see them at this year’s Welcome to Rockville festival.

For Fans Of: Halestorm, New Years Day, Tonight Alive

For a Taste: “Heaven Knows” from Going to Hell

Highly Suspect

Welcome to Rockville has been known to showcase some of the most exciting up and coming acts and Highly Suspect is definitely one of those acts. The trio’s hard rock has been taking the community by storm leading to their albums becoming Grammy nominees and their latest album peaking at number 1 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock charts. Want to see a high energy act with fuzz drenched instrumentals paired with catchy choruses? Or do you simply want to see what all the hype is about? Either way, be sure to catch Highly Suspect at Welcome to Rockville. You won’t be disappointed

For Fans Of: Royal Blood, Pop Evil, Death from Above 1979

For a Taste: “Lydia” from Mister Asylum

Eagles of Death Metal

It’s fun. It’s upbeat. It’s riff heavy. It’s Eagles of Death Metal. The band is from the brains of Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and his lifetime friend Jesse Hughes. The band has got fuzzy guitar, groovy basslines, pounding drums, and Josh Homme’s signature vocal delivery. If you like dancing, having fun, and catchy songs, then Eagles of Death Metal is the band for you?

For Fans Of: Queens of the Stone Age, Wolfmother, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

For a Taste: “Miss Alissa” from Peace Love Death Metal

In Flames

This Swedish band is known for having gone everywhere from death metal to hard rock. The band started out when founding member Jesper Strömblad started the band in order to express his creativity and be at the forefront instead of being in the background like he was with Ceremonial Oath. The band takes influence from the legends of metal but it has a touch of the aggressive Swedish metal that has become so legendary across the world. If you’re looking to headbang, listen to some crazy technical music or both, then make sure you catch In Flames when they take the stage.

For Fans Of: Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Scar Symmetry

For a Taste: “Only for the Weak” from Clayman

The Rest of Saturday’s Exciting Lineup:

All That Remains

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, August Burns Red

For a Taste: “Two Weeks” from Overcome

Starset

Genre: Alternative Rock

For Fans Of: Saint Asonia, Devour the Day, Like a Storm

For a Taste: “My Demons” from Transmissions

Dinosaur Pile-Up

Genre: Alternative Rock

For Fans Of: Them Crooked Vultures, JEFF The Brotherhood, The Raconteurs

For a Taste: 11:11 from Eleven Eleven

I Prevail

Genre: Post Hardcore

For Fans Of: Wage War, Beartooth, The Word Alive

For a Taste: “Scars” from Lifelines

Volumes

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: After the Burial; Invent, Animate; Veil of Maya

For a Taste: “Edge of the Earth“ from Via

Crobot

Genre: Hard Rock

For Fans Of: The Temperance Movement, Scorpion Child, Black Label Society

For a Taste: “Plague of the Mammoths“ from Welcome to Fat City

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes

Genre: Hardcore Punk, Alternative Rock

For Fans Of: Gallows, Gnarwolves, Hot Water Music

For a Taste: “Lullaby“ from Modern Ruin

As Lions

Genre: Rock

For Fans Of: Good Tiger, Out Came The Wolves, Wovenwar

For a Taste: “Aftermath“ from Selfish Age

Badflower

Genre: Rock

For Fans Of: Beware of Darkness, Citizen Zero, Black Map

For a Taste: “Soap“ from Soap

Goodbye June

Genre: Alternative Rock

For Fans Of: Royal Tusk, Night Riots, The Virginmarys

For a Taste: “Man of the Moment“ from Danger in the Morning

The Charm The Fury

Genre: Metalcore

For Fans Of: While She Sleeps, Northlane, In Hearts Wake

For a Taste: “Echoes“ from The Sick, Dumb & Happy

For more on 2017 Welcome to Rockville, be sure to visit scadradio.org.

The post 2017 Welcome To Rockville Guide – Day 1 appeared first on SCAD Radio.