Alex Maas – “Luca” (December 4, 2020)

Take this. It makes you feel like you float.

By Steve Forrest

Alex Maas is probably best known for his work with The Black Angels but that doesn’t mean he can’t toss out a stellar solo album as well.

“Luca” has an underwater, slow-motion vibe that definitely sits well in the writer’s wheelhouse of psychedelic alt rock, but it also has a beautiful intimacy within it that charms me.

Lyrically the album is simple and cryptic. Telling stories like distant dreams full of color and love, Maas allows the listener to take the reins with this LP and go wherever they wish to go and become anyone they wish to become. Musically it has a low-fi autumn production to it with repetitive rhythms and haunting melodies that gets their hooks in you and allow you to lose yourself within.

 As first solo projects go, “Luca” is definitely one that Alex Maas can sit back and be proud of and is a terrific listen from beginning to end as one complete work. I’m very much looking forward to hearing what is still to come from this very interesting writer.