Album: The Maccabees, Wall of Arms, (Fiction)
Tricky second-album syndrome? These boys take it in their stride
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brighton quintet the Maccabees are back with their second offering – an older, wiser and even better-looking brother to their 2007 debut, Colour It In.
What hasn't changed here is frontman Orlando Weeks' desire to open his heart and sing from it, resulting in moments of tender, fragile and pure emotion.
With a darker sound courtesy of producer Markus Dravs (Coldplay, Björk, Arcade Fire), album opener "Love You Better" floats along at an almost lazy pace until the tension rises.
Elsewhere, songs such as "No Kind Words" are also given room to build slowly and menacingly. "If you've got no kind words to say, you should say nothing more at all," Weeks warns over a crescendo that's sure to be a live favourite with the moshpit brigade.
Tricky second-album syndrome? On the contrary; Wall of Arms will be one of the better indie-pop-rock offerings of the year and could even propel the Maccabees into the heavyweight division. Whatever happens, they're a festival must-see for the summer ahead.
Pick of the album: 'Seventeen Hands' is the album's catchiest moment
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments