Veteran singer-songwriter Chris Maxwell’s new album, Nothingland (Max Recordings), illuminates a troubled, recognizable world. A distinctive mix of organic and synthetic sound propels Maxwell’s melodically rich, lyrically incisive observations of pandemic-induced chaos, political insanity, climate anxiety, and a vexing lack of drinking buddies. Nothingland marks a departure from Maxwell’s previous two releases. The lauded, autobiographical Americana pair Arkansas Summer (2016) and New Store No. 2 (2020) comprised a return to the singer-songwriter realm after nearly twenty years as one half of the production team Elegant Too, best known for their work on Emmy-winning Bob’s Burgers. It was the birth of his son that motivated Maxwell to re-assume the mantle of songwriter, harkening back to his days working with producer Jim Dickinson (Big Star, The Replacements) and Grammy-nominated, NYC combo Skeleton Key. For Nothingland, Maxwell enlisted producer-bassist Eli Crews (tUnE-yArDs, Nels Cline) along with a stellar ensemble, including lap steel virtuoso Cindy Cashdollar, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, and keyboard whiz Marco Benevento, to name a few. The album masterfully interweaves old school and cutting-edge tech with classic, infectious songwriting and timeless themes; tunes sounding like nothing else you’ve heard, yet resonating in familiar rooms within. Chris Maxwell’s Nothingland is a harsh place we all know, but his work joyously reminds us it is no match for love.