Along with Fleet Foxes and the Moondoggies, The Maldives' members belong to a thriving Seattle roots-music scene. They've quickly become a popular draw, regularly selling out clubs here. With nine people in its lineup, it's one of the area's biggest bands in more ways than one.
Having such a large group by the station for an in-studio performance presents a few challenges. While I was certain that all nine members would fit into KEXP's performance space, I wasn't as sure if they'd get comfortable with the set-up in the hour preceding the performances — or that we could do justice to every band member in the overall mix. I should have known that I had nothing to worry about, though, with KEXP studio engineer Julian Martlew behind the control board; he captured every instrument clearly in the mix.
The band was also in fine form, and we ended up with five excellent performances, including four newer songs that will appear on an album due out next year. As fans of The Maldives know, it's easy to be drawn in by the band's communal vibe, and it was difficult to resist singing and clapping along during its spirited performance.
If you love Neil Young, The Band and The Flying Burrito Brothers, I highly recommend giving a listen to the soulful country-rock sounds of The Maldives. Please feel free to sing and clap along.
Originally recorded July 10, 2008.
Listen to the previous Favorite Session, or see our full archive.
Copyright 2008 KEXP
