Brand new LP from Maverick Smith

Pittsburgh-based band Maverick Smith have been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, making an impression with their well-received studio sound. At the heart of the band is frontwoman Paige Bosic, whose vocal delivery balances impact and emotion in equal measure, alongside lead guitarist Charles Kovach, percussionist Josh Franczyk, bassist Dan Bozek and rhythm guitarist Sean Boynes. As Maverick Smith, they bring together elements of indie rock, southern grit, orchestral flourishes and experimental textures to craft something entirely their own.

The group have always approached songwriting with a sense of purpose; their music feels tethered to real experiences, carrying a relatable context that’s struck a chord with listeners around the world. Landing in 2024, their debut record, With Friends & Imperfections, revealed an ambitious artistic vision, bringing together 22 musicians in a project that quickly attracted attention, with the album’s scale and creative scope marking Maverick Smith as a must watch band on the rise.

Last year, they followed that release with their second full-length album, We Make Fire They Make Smoke, further expanding their sonic output and building on their reputation for creating music driven by feeling rather than formula. Now the band return with their brand new third album titled Slightly Different Reality, a ten-track outing that feels like the most personal and revealing chapter of their story thus far. Revolving around themes of empathy, memory, emotional honesty and the daily decision to remain open in a world that often encourages people to close themselves off, the record places pensive contemplation at the very centre.

Based firmly in the band’s Rust Belt origins, Slightly Different Reality avoids the temptation of shiny performance in favour of something far more human. These songs feel shaped by experience rather than image, reflecting everyday struggles, personal growth and the quiet determination required to face modern life. Throughout the album, Maverick Smith focus on something real, allowing imperfections to become strengths rather than weaknesses.

A major part of the album’s emotional impact comes from Paige Bosic’s willingness to push herself beyond familiar areas by taking herself completely outside her comfort zone to deliver some of the most meaningful songwriting of her career. At the same time, Slightly Different Reality highlights the collaborative spirit that has always been central to Maverick Smith’s vision. While Paige handles the majority of lead vocal duties, other members step forward to bring new perspectives and textures to the album.

Jumping straight into a bright indie rock scene with the album’s lead single “Waste of Time,” the intricate flicker of jangly guitars and steady patter of percussion underpins Paige’s alluring voice as she spins instantly memorable melodies into the buoyant musical fabric. Sean Boynes takes lead vocals on “Pain On a Record” to present a charming acoustic jam which frames the band’s timeless songwriting in a mellow setting brimming with delightfully airy vocal layers and gentle instrumentation.

“Over the Edge” flows with lilting rhythmic sway as Paige’s tender vocal performance hovers above soft percussive taps and atmospheric arrangement, offering a psych-tinged folk rock moment. On “Shades of Memories,” the return of longtime contributor Ken Stringfellow of The Posies and Big Star, brings his vocals and guitar work to an uplifting pop rock anthem packed full of catchy hooks, driving energy and dancing lead guitar lines.

The album’s other previously released single, “Make My Bed,” brings a gritty groove of dusty drums, slick guitar riffs and moody vocals, serving up a swaggering jam that injects a dose of bluesy energy to the record. Charles Kovach fronts “In Your Dreams,” allowing the record to showcase the individual personalities that contribute to the band’s collective sound while “Redeem Yourself” pairs softly plucked guitar notes and elegant vocals to deliver an emotion listening experience that expands into a stunning full band sound.

Closing the album with a cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Life in Vain,” Maverick Smith lays down a bouncy burst of pop-focused rock music that rolls with infectious vocal leads, uptempo energy and superb instrumental flourishes, concluding their incredible third LP in emphatic fashion. Across its ten tracks, Slightly Different Reality plays out as a journey through self-reflection, memory, love and perseverance, continuing to prove that Maverick Smith’s greatest strength lies in following emotion wherever it leads.

Commenting on the release, frontwoman Paige Bosic shares, “This album was incredibly fun to put together and at the same time very raw and emotional. I explored songwriting in a way I’ve never done before and really challenged myself to be uncomfortable in order to express something deeper and more meaningful.”

Listen to Slightly Different Reality blow