Maximiano - The Real Truth

I’ve been looking forward to writing about this one for a while…but kept insisting on just one more listen. Undisturbed. No distractions. With headphones…which is the ideal way to listen to The Real Truth. If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and grab your best headphones and block off 45 minutes or so to immerse yourself in this masterpiece.

Full disclosure, this is one of the albums that not only made 2024 less shitty, it inspired the re-launch of this website. There’s just too much great music happening around the world and especially in the Milwaukee area that not enough people are hearing or talking about. Nothing against Chappell Roan or T Swift, but I’d much rather have this album on a desert island or in my bomb shelter or whatever post-apocalyptic scenario the future holds than anything charting on Billboard.

The Real Truth starts slow, but strong. The second track (You Have A Heart In Me) is one of the catchiest earworms this side of the Mississippi. And there are several more songs that are just as strong, catchy, heartfelt and well-executed. If you’re looking for cutting edge innovation or weirdness, this is not the album for you. But if you appreciate well-written songs with top-notch musicianship and flawless arrangements, look no further.

The supporting cast is a who’s who of top talent in Milwaukee (Ellie Jackson, Devin Drobka, Will Hanson, Tori Yocum, Cheston Van Huss and Sam Broadnax). And Maximiano has such a great voice that if I had it, I would literally sing all day, every day. I’d be living a musical. And I’m not one for musicals. But I’m certainly one for whatever musical magic Maximiano conjures next. 

Recommended for fans of: Ida, Elliot Smith, Sufjan Stevens, George Harrison, the Swell Season, the New Amsterdams