The Maccabees - Wall of Arms (Fiction)
4/5
By: Hayley Leaver
BUY DOWNLOADHaving released one of 2007's most popular indie LP's, Brighton-come-London boys, The Maccabees, took their time with second album, Wall Of Arms. All 'difficult second record' assumptions beside, the question was whether they would stick to the sweet indie disco formula they mastered to devastating effect on Colour It In, or risk losing the straw trilby-wearing, Mat Horne-lead, Skins crew backing them with all their hearts.
The first taste of their new material came in the form of free download, 'No Kind Words', when the album was still knee high to a grass hopper. The looming threat of, "If you've got no kind words to say, you should say nothing more at all", manages to make Orlando Weeks' ever-shuddering vocals hurl emotion with a new, throbbing, darkness.
Sitting at the half way point, 'No Kind Words' is preceded by album opener 'Love You Better' - the first official single released back in April. The first bite of the band's matured sound hit the charts at a barely-top-forty #36 - just about where all of the previous singles have also peaked - suggesting that the all-new Maccabees would be taken back into the Club NME fold once more, and perhaps no further.
Though nothing matches 'No Kind Words' in ominous dread, the album is far more cohesive than Colour It In, flowing through from 'One Hand Holding' - every bit the essential 'Maccabee song' complete with choral crescendo, incessantly catchy riff and DIY chanting - to 'Can You Give It?', already a firm live favourite and next single, new boy Sam Doyle's marching drums showing his acceptance into the band has been a whole-hearted one.
'Wall Of Arms' shows Weeks' vocals at their croony best: at times triumphing all the sugariness of 'Toothpaste Kisses' mixed with the crashing likeability of 'Precious Time'. 'Kiss And Resolve' returns to the Radio One-friendly indie the band manage so well, but this time it's better. This track is where producer Markus Dravs' influence rears his Arcade Fire head so visibly it's as if Win Butler snuck in for a quick go on the mic.
'William Powers' is easily visualised as many-a Topman-adorned boy's favourite, made all the more enjoyable only by chucking his warm pint - of cider, you can only hope - at the back of your head as he shrieks "I'll see you when we're older/ When we're older" like his life depended on it. 'Seventeen Hands' stands out as one of the stronger moments of the second half, a sure-fire single if ever there was one with its gentle start and yelping finish.
Album closer 'Bag Of Bones' stands far removed from the instant gratification of the rest of the album, a long introduction makes way for the unbridled passion evident throughout Wall Of Arms in its most grown up form yet. Probably the one Jo Whiley's least likely to pick as her ringtone, the final song leaves the album on the cusp of something a million miles from Colour It In, wave machines, and first date vomit. The Maccabees have managed to retain their emotion and, no doubt, adoration from many young hearts, but they are yet to create the mind-blowing album they are almost definitely capable of.
Artists in this article: The Maccabees
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment