Maximum RNR

Maximum RNR: Maximum RNRMaximum RNR (2004)
self-released

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: adamAdam
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on January 21st 2005I'm sure in some past lapse into irrationality I've expressed the opinion that I hate Maximum RNR. It's really not their fault either; they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A few years back I was headed to Toronto to catch a show on the New Bomb Turks' purported "farewell.

I'm sure in some past lapse into irrationality I've expressed the opinion that I hate Maximum RNR.

It's really not their fault either; they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A few years back I was headed to Toronto to catch a show on the New Bomb Turks' purported "farewell tour" and just about everything went wrong that could. My ticket hook-up flaked out on me, it was pouring rain and the traffic on the 401 was remarkably unkind; the girlfriend was feeling sick and the friend who had tagged along was more there for the road trip than the music. I must have walked into The Horseshoe, dripping wet from the storm, right as "local openers" were playing. The band was an unkempt five-piece of capital R rockers who at that very moment were putting on some sort of act where each member soloed while the others froze in place. They had the whole outfit too: denim, shades, old band shirts, long messy hair. "Ridiculous. Fuck this band. Fuck this whole botched trip."

My first encounter with Maximum RNR obviously wasn't very kind and I'm sure I let that that whole horrible day warp my opinion for far too long. That must be the case, as years later I stumbled upon their single "Switchblade" and it just blows me away. Here's a tight, high-octane punk rock'n'roll band that's quite simply kicking my ass.

So what's going on here?

It's hard for me to say for sure, at least without revealing how far my head's been stuck up my ass, but the band's self-titled EP is a blazing six song collection that maintains an incredible level of energy throughout. "Stormfront" is a perfect opening track and establishes a breakneck pace that runs throughout the record. Not everything relies on testosterone here, and infectious songs like "Lucky Charm" prove the band has more than a few killer hooks up their collective sleeves. It also helps to have Ian Blurton (Change Of Heart, Blurtonia, Bionic) behind the boards, for there's nobody who understands the potential of the bearded, denim-clad rocker quite like a bearded, denim-clad rocker (he also produced the last two Weakerthans records, but that really doesn't fit my example). If you're into bands along the lines of Zeke, Motorhead, the New Bomb Turks, or a good chunk of the Gearhead Records alumni, this is most definitely for you.

It seems funny to me that since that first show I've run into members of this band more than a few times in various situations and I've had some time to chat with both guitarists Keith Carman and Keith Maurik. These are guys who have an amazing love for rock'n'roll and it comes though when you talk to them just as much as it does on record. Maximum RNR's debut EP is a frenzied, bullshit-free collection of full throttle hard rock and is most definitely worth checking out.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (January 28, 2005)

you wrote them off because they support the troops?? haha, how sad your life must be. there's a big difference between supporting the troops and supports the war, dude.

Hein (January 27, 2005)

The message below was me.

Anonymous (January 27, 2005)

Haha, I thought the remark about reviewers talking too much about their personal lives was quite to the point. In fact, the one you mostly should direct that remark towards would be me. I know it's lame, and I know most people won't give a rats ass about it, but you know... it's just that music is all about emotions and personal interpretation I guess. You never had the feeling that a band sounded so much better after you saw them on a good evening with lots of fun? Or maybe you just hated another band after they made stupid remarks on stage? Maybe the clearest it was for me after interviewing the Vandals and finding out they supported the troops in Iraq. All of a sudden this band didn't mean anything to me anymore. Whenever I listen to one of their songs these days, it reminds me of what they stand for. It was once one of my favorite bands though.

Anonymous (January 25, 2005)

to the reviewer: stop acting like a victim. to the guy below: stop talking out of your ass.

Anonymous (January 24, 2005)

I hate how people who post on this site always feel the need express hatred for bands that aren't getting all the hype or selling a billion records. Just because they weren't featured in Spin doesn't mean they can't rock your ass and aren't worth a listen.

adam (January 24, 2005)

I'm not claiming self-importance, I'm just telling the truth. Again, your criticism has been noted, have a good evening.

-adam

Anonymous (January 24, 2005)

what are you, the president? are you really that important that you need to retract previous shit-talking about bands that no one gives a rat's ass about? yawn.

adam (January 24, 2005)

Yeesh... you're one angry dude...

I agree though, and I tend not to write like this, however I'd made statements publically before that I don't like this band and I felt I should explain it. Sorry man.

-adam

Anonymous (January 24, 2005)

Again...what is with the fucking reviewers on this site always having to post their life-story with the band? Do I care about your cry-baby girlfriend who got sick? No. Does anyone else? No. Stop doing that shit and learn to write about the music. Fuck.

Anonymous (January 24, 2005)

"i thought this had something to do with the zine."

And then what happened?

punkcorekid (January 23, 2005)

i thought this had something to do with the zine.

Anonymous (January 23, 2005)

Score is for the New Bomb Turks.

Score is also for the Radiobeats, who are the next New Bomb Turks.

-Ken

adam (January 22, 2005)

They used to be Maximum RNB (Who reference of course) but promoters kept expecting them to be an RNB band. So they changed it. Trust me, if you ever see these guys they embody the name 'Maximum RNR' better than most others could.

-adam

CallingLondon (January 22, 2005)

what a god awful band name, even if it was done on purpse which i'm sure it was.

Anonymous (January 22, 2005)

saw them open for electric frankenstien

TheOneTrueBill (January 21, 2005)

Oh man, a mention of the New Bomb Turks. They were so underrated it's sad.

moneenerd (January 21, 2005)

Drink. Fight. Fuck.

These guys are fucking incredible. And it's true, they literally DESTROY live, especially with their "Mother" cover.

boba_fett (January 21, 2005)

lots of self titled albums reviewed today.

Anonymous (January 21, 2005)

These guys will destroy you live. This is a fucking fantastic band.