Random Maxx

I'm hooked.

The Random Maxx Web site describes the group as a "vocal power pop" band. Maxx played at 2:30 p.m. at the Miller Lite Oasis, and I was extremely impressed by the five Brew City musicians.

Maxx did a combination of cover songs with a few of their own numbers. They covered Queen, Peter Gabriel, Blink 182, Weezer, Bruce Springsteen, the Violent Femmes, Garbage, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Eat World, Cheap Trick and others -- quite the diverse play list. Their voices were not exact replicas of the originals. They were Milwaukeeized, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Their voices just provided a fresh take on some classics.

Their musical diversity helped them attract a healthy crowd and gave me a very positive musical experience. I would go as far as to say that they were my favorite band I saw at Summerfest this year, and I will seek them out in the future.

Best moment When they started playing "Under Pressure," a lot of people in the audience thought they were playing "Ice, Ice Baby." They knew people would think that and even made fun of them. Then they played the David Bowie and Queen classic really well.

Tied for second best moment was hearing them cover R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." Good stuff.

Lull in the show Honestly, none of their songs were particularly bad, but if I had to pick the one I thought was performed the weakest, I'd pick the first original song they played, "Utopia." Something about the balance in the song turned me off a little. They made up for it later, though, with the original song "I Believe in Dance."

Energy level High, and they were funny in between their songs, too. You have to have a good attitude playing Summerfest, knowing that a lot of people are just looking for a place to sit down and wouldn't care if you were playing polka or hard rock. But they kept the crowd moving, especially with their selection of popular music that make you go, "I LOVE THIS SONG!"

Crowd control The crowd slowly grew as they played, no doubt because of the fact that people recognized the songs they were playing. At the beginning, only about 200 people were watching — 50 of those waiting eight hours in advance for the Guster concert. But by the end, the band was able to bring in about 500-700 people that watched attentively.

Bring 'em back next year Yes, but give them a later time spot — they deserve it.