Hansen’s Dugout Erupts as MAES Delivers a Knockout Performance

By Riley Thompson | Northern Noise Weekly

It’s not often that a bowling alley becomes ground zero for a rock revival, but that’s exactly what happened Friday night at Hansen’s Dugout and Bowl in Peotone, Illinois. Local heavy-hitters MAES rolled in with their signature fire, giving fans an unforgettable performance built around their debut album, The Deceiver.

The crowd packed shoulder-to-shoulder as MAES launched into a furious opening set. Their sound — tight, melodic, and defiantly loud — filled every corner of the venue. Between crunching guitars and thunderous drums, the band delivered heartfelt vocals that cut straight through the chaos.

Each song hit harder than the last, culminating in a roaring finale that had the audience chanting for one more. In a town known more for strikes and spares than screaming guitars, MAES proved that rock ’n’ roll is alive, well, and absolutely thriving in the Midwest.

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MAES Captivates at Game On – A Night Worth the Noise

By Jordan Price | Midwest Sound Review

From the moment MAES took the stage at Game On in Peotone, the venue transformed from a barroom into a battleground of riffs. The Chicago rockers tore through their set with ferocity, balancing raw power and calculated precision.

Lead vocals hit like a live wire, while the band’s rhythm section thumped with seismic intensity. Tracks from their new album The Deceiver drew the loudest reactions — “Burn It Down” and “The Deceiver” itself had the crowd shouting every word. Between songs, the group’s chemistry shone, delivering moments of humor and humility that kept the night grounded.

By the time MAES returned for their encore, sweat dripped, amps buzzed, and no one wanted it to end. For those lucky enough to be there, this wasn’t just another show — it was proof that the next wave of Chicago rock is already crashing.

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“The Deceiver” Marks a Fierce Debut for MAES

By Steffi Lee | ArtBoiCreative.com

Chicago’s rising hard rock outfit MAES has officially unleashed their debut album The Deceiver, now streaming on all major platforms. Dropping July 2, 2025, the record hits like a gut punch — equal parts raw emotion and precision-tooled aggression.

Across its tracklist, MAES blends classic hard-rock swagger with a modern melodic sensibility. The title track rips with snarling guitars, while “Echoes of Me” and “False Crown” showcase the band’s lyrical bite and evolving sound. Each song feels like a confession set to thunder.

Local buzz surrounding the release has placed MAES among the Midwest’s most promising live acts, with radio and playlist traction following fast. For a debut, The Deceiver doesn’t just introduce a band — it declares a mission. MAES has arrived, unapologetic and loud enough to make sure you remember their name.

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In My Dreams – Review of a Rock Classic

Song Review: “In My Dreams” – Josey Wells, David Carroll & Josh Brady

Released on June 6, 2025, under Strain Records, “In My Dreams” is a captivating collaboration that blends heartfelt storytelling with a polished, modern production. Written by Josey Wells, the track showcases a melodic pop-rock sensibility with emotional depth, driven by compelling vocals and nuanced instrumental layering.

“In My Dreams” is a captivating collaboration that blends heartfelt storytelling with a polished, modern production.

From the opening notes, the song establishes an intimate yet expansive mood, combining warm acoustic elements with subtle electronic textures that enhance the lyrical themes of longing and introspection. Wells’ lead vocals carry a raw sincerity, while David Carroll and Josh Brady provide harmonies that elevate the chorus, adding emotional resonance and a rich, dynamic soundscape.

The production is crisp and carefully arranged, ensuring each instrument and vocal line is distinct yet cohesive, creating a balanced listening experience. The lyrical content explores universal themes of dreams, desire, and the tension between hope and reality—making it both relatable and immersive.

Overall, “In My Dreams” is a standout single that demonstrates strong songwriting, collaborative chemistry, and a keen sense of production. It’s a track that resonates long after the last note fades, marking a promising chapter in the careers of Wells, Carroll, and Brady.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A heartfelt, polished, and emotionally engaging single that hits the right balance between intimacy and anthemic appeal.

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MAES in Perspective

“Seeing MAES live is an experience you don’t forget. Their energy is electric, their chemistry undeniable—they feed off each other and the crowd in a way that makes every song feel alive. Tight, passionate, and totally immersive, they’re a band that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go.” – The Newbie

“I’d never heard of MAES before last night, and now I can’t stop talking about them. Their stage presence is magnetic, their energy contagious, and the way they play together is mesmerizing. Each song felt like it was being made right there in the moment, and I left the show feeling completely hooked.” – Jaw Dropped!

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