Maverick – 'Ethereality' Released: April 1, 2021

‘Maverick’ were Founded in Northern Ireland back in 2012 by Brothers Ryan & David Balfour leading the band on the arduous Rock n Roll trail incorporating a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to lay down roots and establish themselves onto the hard rock scene. 

Setting their mark with first album release ‘Quid Pro Quo’ followed by second Release ‘Big Red’ some high-profile European Tours with a number Swedish Big Hitters in the genre with the likes of The Poodles & Treat, a third album ‘Cold Star Dancer’, saw the guys Galloping throughout Europe as headliners, along with appearances at various festivals along the way. 

A few line-up changes along the way at various junctures of the bands career brings us neatly to the tail end of 2019 and into early 2020 when the reality of ‘Ethereality’ began to bear fruit, pre-orders announced, a stunning piece of artwork unleashed for the cover… Well, we all know what happened next. COVID Strikes. 

Fast forward to present day and the album is finally upon us, taking the down-time to refine the Maverick sound and write a Ten song, 40-minute album of sheer musical delight. 

Lead single ‘Switchblade Sister’ released back in December 2020, a teaser and taster of things to come from the new album, a Sleaze edged funk offering that hit the mark from the get go, complete with those infectious harmonized whoa, whoa’s. 

Two further single releases followed ‘The Last One’ and ‘Falling’, with the latter being the album opener, and what a punch this has got as an opener and sets this album off at a galloping pace, the quality of songs never dwindles across the album, ‘Ethereality’ is full of Melody, More Melody, Big Riffs, Infectious Hooks and even more Melody, it’s as though that infamous Big Melody stick has been shaken vigorously over this album and then some. 

Each track a foot stomper in its own right, with the likes of ’Thirst’, ‘Never’, ‘Bells of Stygian’ and second single ‘The Last One’ all meticulously crafted with a sublime vocal range offering from Singer David Balfour, ‘Angels 6’ is very similar in stature with lead single ‘Switchblade Sister’ weighing in with a Euro-Sleaze chorus to it. 

A certain sprinkle of modern day AOR over ‘Dying Star’ & ‘Light Behind Your Eyes’ and album closer ‘Ares’ with the latter adding a tiny pinch of Hammerfall’ishness as a climax to this little gem of a release.  

‘Ethereality’ showcases a collection of impeccable musicianship from Ryan Balfour (Guitar), Ric Cardwell (Guitar), Richie Diver (Bass) & Jason–Steve Mageney (drums), with David Balfour fronting this outfit hopefully it won’t be too long before Maverick can grace our stages as I for one cannot wait to catch this band live.  

All in, ‘Ethereality’ is a bloody great album, very easy to listen to and before you know it those 40 minutes have come and gone and you know what if that is the case, just push that play button and let the sucker spin again and if not played loud is an absolute injustice to the listening senses, not only yours but I’m sure the neighbours will love this album too.  

Track list: 

1. Falling,

2. Thirst,

3. Never,

4. Switchblade Sister,

5. Bells Of Stygian,

6. Angels 6,

7. The Last One,

8. Dying Star,

9. Light Behind Your Eyes,

10. Ares 

 MG