"it was over by the time that I caught up / didn't wanna say it out loud..."
The funkified alt-indie tweaky beauty of "Borderline", by South London artist, songwriter, musician Max Pope, feels instantly magnetic and shiny. A super dancey attraction that you want to be close to and revel in. It's not only the sonic joy, the communal party feel and Pope's vocal countenance that is more like beautiful hugs than swagger, but the breath and scope of the sound. The droning ambience feels wonderfully dreamy, the super funky bass and snappy beat feels both new and nostalgic and the indie blues funk guitar attacks in combination with all these lush layers had me flashing on Prince (miss him so much).
"I’m stuck at the borderline
Losing what I thought was mineWhat a waste of time
What a waste of time
I’m stuck at the borderline
Losing what I thought was mine
What a waste of time
What a waste of time"
Max Pope speaks on the single, “I was in LA, and found myself falling out of love with a city I once thrived in as I realised it’s true shallow nature. Somewhere along the line, I discovered a strange power in the anonymity I was feeling. Miles away from the reality of my daily existence, I was free to ‘be’ anyone. My trip became a blur – much of the time spent in the back of an Uber, driving between writing sessions, surrounded by people I felt disconnected from and feeling disillusioned with my sense of purpose. All of that combined with some very wavy nights, I felt an animalistic desire to lean into self-sabotage”.
With "Borderline", Pope has crafted something that feels at once precisely crafted and improvisational, a sonic gift with a big bright red bow on top. An inviting house party where all is welcome.
LINER NOTES (bracketed):
[That vulnerability and willingness to embrace inner chaos is very apt in ‘Borderline’, Pope’s first new music since his 2022 debut LP ‘Counting Sheep’ which earned praise from The Line of Best Fit, CLASH, BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Radio 1. The new single is indicative of a venture into a darker territory; more woozy, jagged and saturated with colour, a precursor of further new music to come later this year.]
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://www.youtube.com/@MaxPope
https://maxpope.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/themaxpope/
https://www.tiktok.com/@themaxpope
https://www.facebook.com/maxpopeofficial
https://x.com/themaxpope
https://www.maxpope.com/
Rooted in the rich musical landscape of South London, Max Pope honed his craft at the Brit School, performing alongside artists like Loyle Carner. Since then, he has collaborated with a wealth of accomplished musicians such as Mahalia, Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes, and ABRA, among others. Pope shapes a distinct sonic identity, defined by his signature guitar tone and unmistakable vocals.
2022 saw the release of Pope's debut LP ‘Counting Sheep’ which earned praise from The Line of Best Fit, CLASH, BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Radio 1. His new single 'Borderline' is indicative of a venture into a darker territory; more woozy, jagged and saturated with colour, a precursor of further new music to come later this year.
Max Pope, South London, singer songwriter, musician, artist, bedroom pop, indie rock, alt pop, alt indie, funky fusions, dance, "Borderline", woozy, magnetic, funk alt indie leans,
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