The Lost Chapter Revealed: Max McNown Surprises Fans with the Stripped-Back ‘Both Sides of the Blade’ EP
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In a year that has already seen him transcend “rising star” status to become a bona fide household name, Max McNown has delivered his most intimate gift yet. What was originally teased as a standalone single has blossomed into a surprise-release: the five-song “Both Sides of the Blade” EP, out now via Fugitive Recordings.
Coming off a whirlwind 2025—a year defined by a Platinum certification for “A Lot More Free,” a Gold plaque for “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” and a staggering 500 million worldwide streams—McNown is taking a moment to look back before he moves forward. This EP is a “window into an earlier chapter,” featuring songs written and recorded during the Willfully Blind era. These are the tracks that complete that story, steeped in the “Pacific Northwest-inspired melodies” that first defined his signature sound.
The Track-by-Track Review: Both Sides of the Blade
DISC 1: The New Essentials
1. Both Sides of the Blade The title track is a haunting exploration of “romance gone numb.” McNown describes it as a “cold conversation over coffee in the morning between a couple who’s lost their spark.” It is “lyrically vulnerable” and “musically authentic,” capturing that desperate, human desire to feel anything—even the sting of a blade—rather than the hollow silence of a stagnant relationship.
2. Dream Run Dry A beautifully melancholic track that reflects the “push and pull of love.” It carries the atmospheric weight of the PNW, echoing the feeling of watching a shared dream slowly evaporate. It’s a standout example of McNown’s ability to turn internal exhaustion into a “soul-soothing” melody.
3. 97 This track serves as a poignant reflection on “growing up.” It’s raw and heartfelt, leaning into the acoustic roots that made fans fall in love with Max’s storytelling. It feels like a diary entry from a 24-year-old who has lived through a decade’s worth of life in just a few years.
4. Window In The Wall Addressing the emotional barriers we build during heartbreak, this song is “gently devastating.” McNown’s vocal performance is filtered through an “unfiltered sensitivity,” searching for a way to reconnect with someone who has moved just out of reach.
5. From Me To You The emotional anchor of the EP, this is a “moving tribute to his late grandfather.” In the tradition of country’s greatest songwriters, McNown brings “unexpected beauty” to a moment of profound loss. It is a breathtaking finale that ensures the Willfully Blind chapter ends with grace.
DISC 2: The Core Classics
The EP also provides a retrospective look at the songs that built his foundation:
-
Fishing Line: A masterclass in “confessional storytelling.”
-
Willfully Blind: The soul-stirring track that defined his early career.
-
Snowman: A “heart-melting” ballad of isolation.
-
MacBeth: Proving his “divine gift” for narrative-driven songwriting.
-
Running On Empty: A high-energy reflection of the “whirlwind” life on the road.
From the Living Room to the Ryman: The 2026 Tour
As McNown celebrates his first Top 10 single at Adult Pop radio and ongoing momentum at Country (Top 20), he is preparing to take these stories to the stage. Last week, he announced “The Cost of Growing Up Tour,” his Spring 2026 headline run.
The tour highlights the astronomical growth of his career, featuring his debut at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium—which has already SOLD OUT two nights—and a debut performance at the Stagecoach Festival in April.
Check out the key Spring 2026 dates below:
DATE MARKET VENUE March 20 Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s March 21 Raleigh, NC The Ritz March 22 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues March 24 Athens, GA Georgia Theatre March 26 Estero, FL Hertz Arena* March 27 St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre* March 28 St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre* April 1 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT) April 2 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT) April 9 Oxford, MS The Lyric Oxford April 10 Birmingham, AL Avondale Brewing Company April 11 Lexington, KY The Burl Outdoors April 14 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! April 15 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre April 17 Columbia, MO 9th Street April 18 Omaha, NE Steelhouse Omaha April 19 Wichita, KS The Cotillion April 21 Fayetteville, AR Ozark Music Hall April 22 Oklahoma City, OK The Jones Assembly April 24-26 Indio, CA Stagecoach * Supporting Parker McCollum
The Verdict
Both Sides of the Blade is more than just a surprise release; it’s a testament to Max McNown’s “rare ability to stir up a world of emotion.” Whether he’s performing on The TODAY Show or playing an acoustic set in a rain-slicked city in the Northwest, his “honest songwriting and stage presence” remain his greatest assets.