Double Vinyl Reissue of Maximum Sincere, limited to 150, 2 x 180g black vinyl, audio from original tapes re-mixed and remastered by Wayne Connolly, new artwork by Patrick Haid with a 4 page booklet with photos and lyrics
Plus Maximum Sincere t-shirt (printed on demand and shipped direct to you - on a Gildan Heavy Cotton t-shirt). Ships within 7 days of order (separate to vinyl, which releases in March 2026).
Includes digital download of Maximum Sincere PLUS bonus download of "Monochrome Maxima", an album length 11 song recording from one session in 1995 made for their label Volition to green-light what became the “Covered In Bruises” EP project.
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Big Heavy Stuff entering Charing Cross Studios in Sydney’s Waverley to record both their primary 90’s releases “Covered In Bruises” and “Maximum Sincere”.
Love As Fiction Records is proud to release two deluxe vinyl/CD/cassette issues in association with the band that cover the complete sessions, along with a subsequent complete recording at Troy Horse Studios which bridges the gap between the “Max” and “Size Of The Ocean” albums.
Many tracks appear across the two releases either as alternative arrangements of future songs or unreleased tracks appearing for the first time anywhere.
All songs have been freshly mixed from the 2 inch analogue master tapes by Wayne Connolly at Alberts in 2025 especially for these editions.
“Maximum Sincere”, originally released in 1997 on Shock Records, was the second full-length album from Big Heavy Stuff. It spawned 4 singles, had widespread radio airplay and took the band on a nationwide touring schedule with the likes of Powderfinger and Radiohead.
First single “Bigmouth” was a radio hit and presented the band in a more uptempo light with its use of cowbell and an almost Motown style beat. The heaviness remained from their previous singles, however.
“May”, the second single released from “Max”, remains the most familiar track from this period of the band with its mixture of pop hooks and power. Greg Atkinson’s knack for melody still gets under the skin.
Life was moving at a rapid clip for BHS at the time, the songs had been coming thick and fast. The album was intended to reflect this and, in case there was any misunderstanding, the title seemed the perfect foil.
The “Maximum Sincere” album was an ambitious project, with nearly-completed tracks abandoned due to looming deadlines, young engineer David Trumpmanis doing his best to sort out the chaos the band left him to mix.
With the original album release in 1997, the bands new label Shock showed faith by releasing the CD in two editions with 4 seperate CD singles (and attendant bonus tracks from the album sessions) while the band hit the road, playing live with Stone Roses, Babes In Toyland and Radiohead along with local heroes Mark of Cain, Powderfinger and Jebediah.
Legendary Australian record producer Wayne Connolly prepared this very special 2026 anniversary edition of the original album from the original 2inch multitrack reels. It includes all songs from the original release, along with 4 extra tracks from the sessions, two of which have never surfaced in any form previously.
The new mix reveals the bands ambition to present a diverse and large array of songs able to be digested in one sitting, despite the albums length typical of the CD era. Each track now with its own sound world exposing a more inviting approach to the 1997 original version.
Released in limited 2LP/CD/cassette formats through Love As Fiction, “Maximum Sincere” in 2026 is a 19 track double album of power, melody and questioning that shows a band at the peak of their artistry and collaboration.
“Bring me over some good times…”
BHS ON LOVE AS FICTION RECORDS:
“Size Of Ocean” 2LP/cassette LAFR003
“Live At Triple J 2004” LP/CD LAFR006
“Dear Friends And Enemies” 2LP/2CD/2cassette LAFR008
"Bruises" 2LP/CD/cassette LAFR014
BIG HEAVY STUFF “MAXIMUM SINCERE” 2LP/CD/2CASSETTE/DIGITAL
Side A:
Eric Remains
The Train Stops Here
May
Son In Law
Raise The Dead
Side B:
Maximum Sincere
Meaning Of Life
All For One
Big Mouth
Third Degree
Side C:
Cheating On A Dead Wife
Please Don’t Point That At Me
Genius Son Of Mine
The Greatest Confession
Side D:
Mechanic
Beetle
Voodoo Dolly
Anne Marie
Not Another Riot
BHS:
Greg Atkinson
Eliot Fish
Nick Kennedy
Carolyn Polley
Recorded by David Trumpmanis at Charing Cross Studios, Sydney in 1996.
Assisted by Peter Jones.
E-bow- Alannah Russack.
2025 mixes produced and mastered by Wayne Connolly at Alberts, Sydney.
2inch tape transfers by Sam Horsburgh.
Project coordinator- Nick Kennedy.
2026 artwork by Patick Haid, layout, t-shirt and promotional images by Matt Bayes. Band portraits Sophie Howarth @sophiehowarthphotography
Thank you 2026: Frank Villante, Heath Bradby, Matt Tutt, Peter Fenton, Liam Judson, all of the above.
2026 Love As Fiction Records.
Big Heavy Stuff - Maximum Sincere Cover T-Shirt
Tees will be printed on demand and sent direct to you (normally within 7 days of order), on a Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton shirt. (Ships separately to album pre-order).
Cover design by Patrick Haid, photos by Sophie Howarth Photography.
T-shirt printing image setup by Matt Bayes.
Gildan Heavy Cotton
The Gildan 5000 heavy cotton tee is a dependable classic made for everyday wear and custom printing. Its 100% cotton fabric is tightly knit to give designs sharper detail and long-lasting color. The seamless body eliminates side seams for a smoother fit, while reinforced shoulders keep the shirt in shape through repeated washes. Durable, comfortable, and print-friendly, the Gildan 5000 is a trusted staple for personalized apparel.
Disclaimer: - Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
.: The Gildan 5000 is made with medium fabric (5.3 oz/yd² / 180 g/m²) consisting of 100% cotton, offering year-round comfort with lasting durability. .: The classic fit of this shirt ensures a comfy, relaxed wear while the crew neckline adds that neat, timeless look that can blend into any occasion, casual or semi-formal. .: The tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever. .: Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. This blank tee is certified by Oeko-Tex for safety and quality assurance.
