Maxwell LeVan is a young American singer‐songwriter based in Virginia whose music bridges earnest pop songwriting with subtle electronic textures. He first made waves with his 2024 album Journal Entries I Burned, and followed that with the single “Felt That” in 2025, showing a growth in sonic palette and emotional depth. With dead plants on the porch, he moves into a more introspective but sonically bold space. The title alone suggests reflection, change, and what’s left behind, and his latest project leans into that theme with care.
Track by Track Review
nightmare
The EP opens with “nightmare,” a track built around a moody synth pad, some acoustic strings, and LeVan’s vocal delivered with quiet intensity. The lyric finds him grappling with inner turmoil, fear of what lies ahead, and regret over what could have been. The production is spacious, allowing his voice to carry weight as the instrumentation lingers just under the surface. It’s an effective start; it asks the listener to lean in before the beat drops fully in later songs.
make it make sense
Track two shifts into more rhythmic territory. With more guitar and brighter synth arpeggios, “make it make sense” pulls the listener into a groove while still keeping the emotional core intact. The lyrics pose questions about clarity and understanding, singing to someone (or perhaps himself) who doesn’t quite understand the break or the change they’re experiencing. It’s catchy but never glib, a sign of LeVan’s songwriting maturity.
goodbye now
At the halfway mark, the mood becomes more reflective. “goodbye now” features a softer tempo, acoustic elements mixed into the piano driven song, and a vocal that sounds like a whisper more than a declaration. The lyric speaks of finality and farewell, but there’s no anger, only sadness and acceptance. It’s a vulnerability that hits hard because it doesn’t force a resolution. The listener is left with that ambiguous moment between closure and what comes next.
little light
“little light” emerges as a standout moment. With its shimmering pad, resolved chord changes, and a melody that lifts, the track finds LeVan reaching toward hope. The lyric reflects on small moments of brightness in dark times, the metaphor of “little light” becoming a guiding force. Here, the production broadens, adding a richer texture while still maintaining intimate vocal delivery. It’s both cinematic and personal, showing the breadth of this EP’s emotional journey.
not a god anyway
The closer, “not a god anyway,” ties the themes together with pointed honesty. LeVan’s voice carries a subtle resignation, not over-dramatic but complete, acknowledging that neither he nor anyone else has ultimate control. The lyric feels like a confession and a reassurance at once. It leaves the listener with acceptance rather than defeat, an ending that invites reflection instead of offering answers.
Final Thoughts
dead plants on the porch is a well-crafted, emotionally rich EP that shows Maxwell LeVan growing into his artistry with both style and substance. He uses pop and electronic elements with intention, allowing mood and melody to weave together seamlessly. What stands out most is his ability to remain honest in the writing and clear in the production. This isn’t a collection of singles designed solely for streaming; it’s a cohesive work that rewards full listens. Whether he’s grappling with farewell, seeking understanding, or glimpsing hope, LeVan executes with precision. For those who appreciate pop that doesn’t shy away from complexity and introspection, this EP will sit comfortably in your rotation.
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