Customer Reviews

Quicken the Heart [Vinyl]

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been on the Maximo Park bandwagon since accidently discovering their debut, A Certain Trigger back when it was first released in the UK. Paul Smith's writing is consistently intriguing and the band's sound comes together explosively across all 3 of their albums. Standouts on Quicken the Heart include "Wraithlike" with it's sonic wall of sound, single "The Kids are Sick Again" and "Calm". Can't find fault in this release although some media reviews call it selling out...I'm having a hard time seeing where they see that at all! Here's to another UK original band! Glad they're touring the US this summer too- I have my tix to their Denver show :)

The CD is a rocking affair, as the guitars dominate the songs. I admit I miss some of the organ work that was present on the two previous albums. This is a CD you want to hear live. I can't wait to hear Wraithlike, Roller Disco Dreams, Questing Not Coasting, and The Kids Are Sick Again when MP plays in D.C. in September. Some have criticized the CD as a sellout, but that' far too harsh. Sure, it's not quite up to A Certain Trigger, but it's still better than 95% of the "indie" music coming out today. The CD is a definite buy.

I first got introduced to Maximo Park while watching a Glastonbury Festival from 2007 on a music channel, and I pretty much fell in love with them instantly. I picked up their first EP as my proper introduction to them and loved it. So I thought I would take a chance and buy their newest release - and I am SO glad I did. I love this album!

It is hard to describe their sound and do it any justice, but I will try my best : to me, it is something like a mashup of the best of The Smiths, The Cure, DePeche Mode and Ned's Atomic Dustbin - and yet it is not any of those things. To me, they sound like awesome 80's alternative, but in their own way : very melodic, smart lyrics, good to dance to, and just all around great listening.

Now, my only question is - when are these guys coming to the States?!?! I would love to see them in concert. But until that time comes, I will play the heck out of this CD, because it's fantastic.