The final compilation of
Mae's monthly singles,
(E)vening collects five uplifting rock ballads and four pensive piano recitals. Opener "A Quiet (E)vening" and the three-part "Seasons" are little more than spare instrumental piano mood-setters. In other words, the release should be seen as an EP and not be mistaken for nine full-fledged songs. The piano instrumentals offer little to get excited about. They're par for the course for what one would hear at any local piano recital. The remaining songs are among
Mae's finest and full of their usual hopeful, yearning earnestness and bright melodies. Given the emotional tone, the relationship-heavy subject matter, and the emphasis on piano, fans of bands like
Keane and
Snow Patrol might find a lot to like. And it's fair to say that post-rock acts such as
Mogwai and
Explosions in the Sky are an influence on the dynamics. Just as
Dave Elkins sings about people coming together as a beacon for the lonely on "Bloom," when
Mae are firing on all cylinders, their music is the sort of beacon that fuels young romance and hopefulness in times of angst.