Remaining in the musical centre of the universe Putney, the next album in the chart is Wall of Arms by the Maccabees. They also went to Elliott School. This geographical grouping was not planned it was just how it worked out. The band are actually currently based in Brighton anyway.
I had previously had the impression that the Maccabees were just another indie band and that is true to a certain extent. This album features the indie hallmarks of jangly guitars and too tight jeans. However, on this, their second release, there is an extra sense of darkness. Not super dark, just as saccharine coated as some similar artists. The track, No Kind Words, available as a free download prior to the release of the album being a statement of intent.
Also in terms of instrumentation, the band have progressed since their first album with Singer Orlando Weeks occasionally adding a third guitar alongside the White brothers. There is a brass section added to the mix on many of the tracks. Credit for this, and for allowing the band the confidence to go off at unexpected tangents, must go to producer Markus Dravs, who has worked with Arcade Fire amongst others.
In terms of lyrics, Weeks has improved considerably since the debut album. Admittedly the bar had not been set particularly high by an album including a track called Toothpaste Kisses and a song about a swimming pool. However, on this release the lyrics are genuinely emotive.
Recommended Track: No Kind Words
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I agree with your choice of recommended track.
ReplyDeleteI was tempted not to give it to another track because I thought that their best known track and I wanted to expose some tracks that people might not have heard, but I decided it was definitely their best song.
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