NEWS
EVENTS
Maximo Park- 'The National Health' (11/06/2012- Warp Records)
Indie | Monday 28th May 2012 | Osh
‘The National Health’ is alternative-rock band Maximo Park’s fourth studio album, set for release on the 11th of June this year. The band get their name from the Máximo Gómez Park in their hometown of Pitlochry in Scotland.
Frontman Paul Smith said today that the new album will be another opportunity for listeners to take a look at themselves. “We're in a global recession and everyone is being bombarded with bouncy, happy music.” he said. The nation is out of control and the record is about taking back control, and being a force for change in your own life.”
Maximo Park are more than comfortable in their own collective skin, and have kept their unique sound for ‘The National Health’. Within this sound however, the band have lots of leeway and variety. ‘When I Was Wild’ is gentle, atmospheric, and comments lightly on the state of the world.
Title track ‘The National Health’ is hasty, playful and as upbeat as early Kaiser Chiefs. Each instrument blends into the next seamlessly and the production is brilliant. Maximo Park clearly have lots of influences from the Rock, Punk and Indie worlds, and ‘Hip and Lips’ echoes classic features from The Cure.
This album is definitely not a cocky or concept album but there is an element of angst and bitterness. The vocal harmonies, experimental sound effects and instrumental talents of the band are superb. The spectrum of styles and emotions ‘The National Health’ explores is unbelievable, and however strong their political message might be, Maximo Park’s strongest track on this album ‘The Undercurrents’ tells the story of a difficult relationship.
‘Write This Down’ is a great dance-driven song, with its Pet Shop Boys flair, and polished production. Maximo Park obviously still have plenty of songs in them. Paul Smith’s habit of wearing his heart on his sleeve makes their music relatable and approachable, especially in ‘Reluctant Love’.
Lively and effortless, ‘Until the World Would Open’ has what every band or artist wants; creating a unique vibe with lyrics like, ‘Don’t punish me for who I can’t be’, it’s personal and real. Paul Smith stretches his vocal range to its depths for ‘Banlieue’ and throws soul and individuality into his singing.
The emotional-level of ‘This is What Becomes of the Brokenhearted’ matches the likes of Keane or Travis, and the harmonies blended with the piano melody are beautiful. Maximo Park’s songwriting is diverse but does not strain their genres or styles, and why should they when what they create is this good? It is amazing how full of life and skill the band are after four albums.
‘Wolf among Men’ and ‘Take Me Home’ are anthemic and as festival-ready as a new pair of wellies. The inspirational lyrics of ‘Unfamiliar Places’; “Don’t be scared of the life you’re making; making decisions on your own” shows that Maximo Park aren’t just a political band.
‘The National Health’ finishes with ‘Waves of Fear’ which, ironically is upbeat and shows the confidence the band have in themselves. The album has everything you want from a Rock record; heart, hope, advice and truth.
4/5
Visit Maximo Park’s newly revamped website at: http://maximopark.com/
You can buy or download ‘The National Health’ from the 11th of June from all good retailers
Marianne Calnan
