Maximo Park Apply Some Pressure In Leeds

Over twenty years ago Paul Smith, lead singer with Maximo Park, arrived on stage at Leeds Town Hall wearing a trilby hat and reading a book as the band supported Kaiser Chiefs. The book might have gone; however, the hat, smart suit and stage presence were still intact as the northeast band arrived on stage at the O2 Academy in Leeds.

The band are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the release of their debut album, A Certain Trigger. The songs on the album are very much of their time, which fitted in well with other bands around that period – surprisingly, the tracks on the album sound even better than they did back then – probably because there is no one around now making indie guitar music as good as this.

Smith remained the consummate frontman – his stage manner came with the moves and gestures of Jarvis Cocker from Pulp and the energy of Mick Jagger. The two small platforms on the front of the stage were used throughout for Smith to stand on – and leap from.

When many of these songs were first played in Leeds two decades ago, they didn’t receive the adulation that was received tonight. Time can make a big difference; for many, hearing them again was like meeting up with a long-lost friend. As the band played the opening number, Signal and Sign, the audience sang back every word in unison.

Only three fifths of the original line-up remain: Smith, guitarist Duncan Lloyd and drummer Tom English now have witty touring keyboard player Jemma Freese adding some youthful energy to the evening – appearing to enjoy the live experience as much as Smith.

Many of their tracks are about leaving things behind and moving on, as witnessed on The Coast Is Always Changing and Postcard of a Painting, though there were always references to the northeast on A19 and By the Monument – the latter missing tonight.

Their jangly, often staccato style, best amplified on Apply Some Pressure and Going Missing, still gave Maximo Park their distinctive style. The newer songs from Stream of Life sat well alongside their older material. Where the band goes from here will be interesting; Smith promised that they will be back with some new productions – hopefully they will have the same bite and immediacy as the bulk of songs played on the current tour.

As the band concluded with Going Missing as the two thousand strong audience filled the O2 Academy, this was Maximo Park in full effect, who had been sadly missed for far too long.

Maximo Park play Newcastle o2 City Hall on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/maximo-park-tickets/artist/955119