Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Don Jenkins enjoys a show filled with both nostalgia and fresh new tunes from the veteran art rockers
Images by David Wala
A homecoming gig unlike any of their others, indie pop art-rockers, Maxïmo Park returned to native soil to showcase their new album Stream of Life before it was even hot off the press. The launch, organised by one of Newcastle’s finest independent music stores, Reflex Records, enabled fans to sample and pre-order a copy of the local legends’ album before its official release date on 27th September.
It can be a challenge for a well-established band to lead with new material, especially when it makes up much of their time on stage; fans that have followed their career can yearn for the catchy familiarity of earlier output that got them into the group in the first place. But the veteran five-piece fronted by the ever charismatic Paul Smith are exceptional entertainers who have forged a time-served connection with their fan base. The lead singer’s endearing engagement with the crowd between songs was well received. Though confessing that sometimes he talks too much, Smith checked, “Do you like to know what the songs are about?” to warm responses of loud cheers.
Though initially a more measured performance than witnessed in the past (there were fewer scissor kick moments from Smith for starters), they comfortably captivated us with what they carve out best – catchy pop songs about modern life. Looking around the room, many of those in attendance were already converted, singing along with the choruses of singles Your Own Worst Enemy and The End Can Be As Good…
Thought provoking track Armchair View saw a change in tone, with guitarist Duncan Lloyd switching up for an acoustic to help the audience swallow the pill. Smith’s softer cadence in this number is counterposed by the topic of the song in which he appears to reflect on the misogynistic judgments placed on female victims of sexual assault by society’s online commentators who seek to blame them rather than empathise.
An encore saw the group belt out some fan favourites from their past repertoire, including Baby Sleep and By The Monument. Smith regaled us with a joyous tale that this latter track had been specially requested by two fans who met at an early Maxïmo Park gig, went for a date from Newcastle’s premier landmark, then got married and had kids.
But it was the finale, a rendition of Graffiti from the band’s first release back in 2004, that sealed the deal of a quality night. Paul Smith revealed that it was over twenty years since the band had performed in the same venue, Red’s Bar, at long-running club night BulletProof, which also signified his first outing as the lead for the band. I was also in attendance on that night, so loved this opportunity to now be catapulted back to that time, being part of a joyous singalong, jumping with the rest of the crowd as the veteran frontman didn’t hold back with his amazing voice and energetic leaps across the stage. ‘Mon the Park!
