Amid the thousand and one faceless metallic hair bands which grace the "Music City" there stands Max Vague, a Nashville newcomer, and a welcome anomaly - a singer/songwriter of considerable talent, an artist who is neither country or hard rock.
Love In A Thousand Faces is Vague's impressive debut, a 14 song collection showcasing Vague's lyrical prowess and immense musical skills. The songs presented here, hard-edged pop/rock replete with melodic experimentation, evince a variety of influences – the Beatles, Peter Gabriel, many electric British folkies – but are freshly original and completely uncategorizable.
It is difficult to pigeonhole Vague, which is good (preferable, actually) for a young artist. At times this debut overwhelms with Vague's interpretation of the pop format, other times it amazes the listener with his tendency (and ability) to take musical chances. You'll often find yourself saying, "what was that I heard?" Play it for your friends and they'll be saying, "what is that I'm hearing?"
Love In A Thousand Faces is a thoroughly engaging disc and a fine introduction to one of Nashville's newest talents. (MetroLord Records, released 1983)
Review originally published by The Metro, 1983
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