Max Bien Kahn - ‘When I Cross It Off’
Mashed Potato Records, Perpetual Doom
Focus Tracks:
#2 “List”
#1 “Trouble”
#5 “Lose”
#6 “Morning”
#3 “Run”
(all tracks radio friendly EXCEPT for #7 “Afternoon”)
Featuring frequent collaborators Duff Thompson, Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli (Video Age) and Esther Rose, When I Cross it Off is about the big things and the little things: grief, new love, sex, making coffee, walking the dogs, and getting through your day one task at a time. Made more so for dancing than quiet contemplation - - with shakers, tambourines, and bongos featuring heavily alongside lap steel, organ, vocal harmonies, and the occasional horn section, the influence of Bien Kahn's adopted home of New Orleans brings a dancefloor vibe to a record that makes you feel like you're partying to his diary. Bien Kahn's music blends swamp pop and 60s rock influences not unlike fellow Bay-Area natives Shannon and the Clams and Sonny and the Sunsets with songwriting rich with depth, humor, and honesty, drawing comparisons to greats David Berman, Neil Young, and Gram Parsons. In this way, he contributes his own flavor and personality to a long legacy of classic sounds and compelling storytelling.
“Max Bien Kahn has a charm rarely seen in modern music today, and we can imagine his new album, When I Cross It Off, will further cement his status as one of the more unique voices in the indie folk rock world.”
-Music Mecca
“It's a testament to Bien Kahn's ability to cultivate an uplifting dance tune while the lyrics explore grief. Bien Kahn's writing style is at once cathartic and witty, always bolstered by his uncanny knack for melody. When I Cross it Off is the perfect New Orleans summer soundtrack, while sweet jasmine fills the dense air.”
-Antigravity Magazine
"If you are in search of a little bit of an introspective singer-songwriter, with just a hint of humor and self-deprecation, then try on New Orleans artist Max Bien Kahn. You can easily hear where Kahn might slide into bed next to Silver Jews or the like, but there’s a touch more twang in the songwriting."
-Austin Town Hall
“Max Bien Kahn brings a wonderfully warm vintage flare to “Lose.” The natural breakup on his voice alone will likely have you completely sold on this track, but if that’s not enough there’s plenty more to dig in on.”
-Glide Magazine