Humanity Hallows Issue 6 Out Now
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By Sam Gosling
Maximo Park are undoubtedly indie royalty. Formed in 2000 in Newcastle, the band consists of Paul Smith (vocals), Duncan Lloyd (guitar), Lukas Wooller (keyboard) and Tom English (drums). The band have released six studio albums: A Certain Trigger (2005), Our Earthly Pleasures (2007), Quicken The Heart (2009), The National Health (2012), Too Much Information (2014) and now Risk to Exist (2017). The first two albums went gold in the UK and their debut was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
Three years after their last album release, Maximo Park are back with a new album, Risk to Exist, and a huge UK tour. They are also set for a support slot for The Libertines gig at Times Square, Newcastle.
The album opens with What did we do to deserve this? and sets the tone from the first lyric. This is an attempt at a protest album by the Newcastle band but the question remains: what are they actually trying to say?
The music sounds fresh, which is rare in a band that has been around for seventeen years. Do you wanna get high (no I don’t) is a particular highlight and is backed up by a funky sound that wouldn’t be lost on a Prince album. Equally What equals love is a fantastic pop song that shows that Maximo Park can still make a tune.
The album is a return to form by the band and listeners can feel the sincerity in what Smith is singing even if it does lack subtlety and feel a little bit preachy at times. One thing is certain, Maximo Park aren’t quite done with the indie scene yet. Risk To Exist is a great post-debate disco record but it’s not quite there when it comes to being a great album overall.
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