Well, it’s immediately clear that this Brighton based five-piece really know how to cause a scene. Their particular brand of energetic indie pop blasts catchy, lovable little songs complete with tales of swimming pool adventures and encounters of first love. What’s not to love?
They kick off with free download track “No Kind Words”, fifteen seconds in and the audience has gone mental. The new track reveals a possible new progression for the band, and although it contains a recognisable Maccabee sound, it’s less cluttered, neater, but still fun and memorable. From here the band move back into older favourites “Lego” and “First Love” – the lights beam down on the screaming audience, encouraging a sing-a-long. The Maccabees have a lovely sincerity about themselves and their songs, which make the tracks not only enjoyable, but relatable, and the response is epic. Pushing the average length of each song from around two and a half minutes to somewhere around two minutes each, The Maccabees pour out song after song. An almost double speed version of “About Your Dress” shows off the band’s fearless energy and charismatic appeal, the secret to their unquestionable success. They really give it everything.
Singer Orlando Weeks, clad in a black and white striped t-shirt paired with a bright red guitar strap and a new haircut is looking decidedly…French. It’s uncanny. Furthermore, they soon launch into new b-side “Accordion Song”; it’s not an ironic title. It is quite an impressive attempt, but sadly not an entirely convincing one. Thankfully they follow it up with the sweet and innocently earnest “Toothpaste Kisses” and they’re back on track. The set features a generous selection of new material, but it is obviously all about ‘Colour It In’ tonight. Songs from the new album ‘Wall of Arms’ trigger varied responses, and although popular, they just don’t produce the same effect. The band run off for a fake exit before returning for an encore, grinning, and hounded by cheers. What shows most is that these boys have a genuine love for their audience, and it’s certainly returned.
The Maccabees release new album ‘Wall of Arms’ on May 4th 2009.
Words by Rose Hales
Photography by Ruby Allcock
