Surging forth with a dynamic sound that simultaneously captivates and suffocates the listener, Maverick are perhaps the most invigorating young unknowns currently on the indie circuit. Emerging out of the same New Jersey underground scene that has recently produced the likes of Trophy Scars and The Killing Gift, this outfit look to lead the new wave. It's almost criminal how such fresh talent can continue to elude the publics attention, but the fact remains that Maverick have been busy chiseling masterpieces out of musical marble. Such is the case with their latest opus, a scorching EP by the name of "Caught In The Negatives" that should equally appeal to fans of The Mars Volta, Glassjaw and The Postman Syndrome.

"Caught In The Negatives" is a veritable smorgasbord of musical styles, mixing alt. rock elasticity with hardcore aggression and emotional melodica with prog tendencies. The group bask in this loose exchange of styles, yet even at their lengthiest a certain structure is always present. This direction and aggressive edge is essential in distancing them from the more indulgent nuances of The Mars Volta, a group that they have a great deal in common with. Frontman Bryce Fehr has a penchant for lapsing into an idiosyncratic singing voice akin to Cedric Bixler, yet this often turns into throatier bellows and even fractured Daryl Palumbo-esque wails. Though Fehr helms the band he is hardly it's sole attraction, as each member is as important as the next, forming a tight knit bond. This symbiotic relationship in which each musician feeds off the combined energy makes for an overwhelmingly dynamic experience, as Maverick move forcefully from whimsical melodies to pounding waves of hard rock with effortless ease.

Though they have been lurking in the Jersey underground since 2001, the expected struggles with securing a concrete line-up and subsequent sound have until now prevented this quintet from making their mark on the musical map. While such difficulties may have held them back from exploding on an (inter)national scale, it has been beneficial in focusing their mindset on the music at hand. Rather than being blinded by rapid success these five musicians have had the chance to bide their time and in turn hone their craft, in a sense perfecting their musical equation before unveiling it for the masses to marvel over. Though comparisons can easily be made, Maverick continuously challenge themselves to create some of the most compelling and artistic hard rock on the independent scene; and if that isn't a positive trait to build a career on then what is?