Album Notes: In the early '80s, punk-funk forged a meeting place for black and white pop music traditions, and brought new wave to the dance floor while (initially) retaining an unassailably hip veneer. In New York, this feat was accomplished by the likes of minimalist scenesters Liquid Liquid, and groove savants ESG. On the other side of the pond in the U.K., nobody did it better than A Certain Ratio.
Album Reviews: Uncut (p.115) - 4 stars out of 5 - \"[With a] taut, abrasive swagger - an uncompromising blend of percussive NY dance-funk, avant jazz and African, Latin and Brazilian influences.\"
Advantages: Indie returns with a vengeance Disadvantages: If only every band was more like this
...Well, for once something good comes out of the north-east of England! These geordies are breaking through into the mainstream music scene in England with extensive touring in increasingly larger venues and their catchy indie songs. They sound like The Futureheads, or do the Futureheads sound like Maxïmo Park? Either way, here they are with A Certain Trigger.
Maxïmo Park are Paul Smith (vocals), Archis Tiku (bass guitar), Tom English (drums), Duncan Lloyd (guitar) and Lukas Wooller (keyboards.
Signal And Sign - Tom English fades in with his drums to start off this album. It echoes while retaining a certain degree of rawness. Smith yearns that he has been waiting for hours. Moshpitters pay attention, this is for you. The lyrics are sublime, excellent stuff. 8/10.
Apply Some Pressure - You know that I would love to see you next...
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Advantages: A high-standard debut album Disadvantages: The odd weak track it must be said.
...Well, having done Muse, and the Arctic Monkeys, I thought I better make it three bands that I've reviewed, having seen them at Reading Festival…Maximo Park are the third choice. Headlining the Radio 1/NME Stage on the Sunday, the band were up against Pearl Jam on the main stage, yet drew a mammoth crowd, of which I was jammed right in the middle of. With only one full-length album to date, a headline slot is a set of big shoes to fill, but what a performance. They played a few new tracks from their up-and-coming album, but obviously the majority was made up of this number - A Certain Trigger.
They opened their set with the album's opening track; "Signal & Sign" - a quick little number of just over 2 minutes. It's fast tempo and catchy beat are a trademark of the band, and similar to the likes of the Futureheads, or even the Kaiser...
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13.10.2005
25.09.2005
