Album Review: The Maccabees

The Maccabees: 'Wall Of Arms' (Fiction/Polydor)

1. Love You Better
2. One Hand Holding
3. Can You Give It?
4. Young Lions
5. No Kind Words
6. Wall Of Arms
7. Dinosaurs
8. Kiss And Resolve
9. William Powers
10. 17 Hands
11. Bag Of Bones

When a debut album is as good as The Maccabees' 'Colour It In' - possibly the best album of 2007 in the eyes of nme-e - then the release of a follow up must be a daunting task. However, the Brighton-based boys have come through the test with flying colours; 'Wall Of Arms' is a quality piece of work in its own right.

So, is it more of the same, then? Well the answer is a sort of yes, but with a bit of a no. The characteristic Maccabee sound is still there, with the frantic strumming and shrill guitars accompanying Orlando Weeks' immaculate vocal range.

The difference lies in the fact that 'Colour It In' was rampant with tracks like 'All In Your Rows' or 'Latchmere', 'Precious Time' and, in particular, 'Lego', tracks which left you gasping for breath, whereas 'Wall Of Arms' is more profound and, thus, benefits from strength in depth. Rather than gasping for air, you find yourself sucked in as the sound takes over your mind.

Opening track 'Love You Better' is a clear exponent of this. The gradual build up bursts into life with a captivating riff and you're hooked. 'Can You Give It' and 'Young Lions' work in pretty much the same way, while 'No Kind Words' is the pick of the bunch with its onimous chorus "if you've got no kind words to say, you should say nothing more at all"

The closing tracks 'Seventeen Hands' and 'Bag Of Bones' clearly highlight a shift from pacy to poignant.

If you're expecting 'Colour It In 2' you might need to change your angle and give this album a couple of plays to let it sink in. It'll be worthwhile though, as 'Wall Of Arms' is a welcome addition to 2009 and The Maccabees confirm their potential as one of the UK's top acts.

Top Track: 'No Kind Words'
Album Rating: 8/10




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