‘The National Health’ is
alternative-rock band Maximo Park’s fourth
studio album is set for release on the 11th of June this year. The
band get their name from the Máximo Gómez
Park in their hometown of Pitlochry in
Scotland.
Frontman Paul Smith said today that the new album
will be another opportunity for listeners to take a look at themselves. “We're
in a global recession and everyone is being bombarded with bouncy, happy music.”
he said. The nation is out of control and the record is about taking back
control, and being a force for change in your own life.”
Maximo Park are more than comfortably
in their own collective skin, and have kept their unique sound for ‘The National Health’. Within this
sound however, the band have lots of leeway and variety. ‘When I Was Wild’ is gentle, atmospheric, and lightly comments on
the state of the world.
Title track ‘The National Health’ is hasty, playful
and as upbeat as early Kaiser Chiefs.
Each instrument blends into the next seamlessly and the production is
brilliant. Maximo Park clearly have
lots of influences from the Rock, Punk and Indie worlds, and ‘Hip and Lips’ echoes classic features
from The Cure.
This album is
definitely not a cocky or concept album but there is an element of angst and
bitterness. The vocal harmonies, experimental sound effects and instrumental talents
of the band are superb. The spectrum of styles and emotions ‘The National Health’ explores is unbelievable,
and however strong their political message might be, Maximo Park’s strongest track on this album ‘The Undercurrents’ tells the story of a difficult relationship.
‘Write This Down’ is a great
dance-driven song, with its Pet Shop Boys
flair, and polished production. Maximo
Park obviously still have songs still in them. Paul Smith’s habit of wearing his heart on his sleeve makes their
music relatable and approachable, especially in ‘Reluctant Love’.
Lively and
effortless, ‘Until the World Would Open’
has what every band or artist wants; a unique vibe and with lyrics like, ‘Don’t
punish me for who I can’t be’, it’s personal and real. Paul Smith stretches his vocal range to its depths for ‘Banlieue’ and throws soul and
individuality into his singing.
The emotional-level
of ‘This is What Becomes of the Brokenhearted’
matches the likes of Keane or Travis, and the harmonies blended with the
piano melody are beautiful. Maximo Park’s
songwriting is diverse but does not strain their genres or styles, and why
should they when what they create is this good? It is amazing how full of life
and skill the band are after four albums.
‘Wolf among Men’ and ‘Take Me Home’ are anthemic and as festival-ready
as a new pair of willies. The inspirational lyrics of ‘Unfamiliar Places’; “Don’t be scared of the life you’re making;
making decisions on your own” shows that Maximo
Park aren’t just a political band.
 |
| Frontman: Paul Smith |
‘The National Health’ finishes with ‘Waves of Fear’ which, ironically is
upbeat and shows the confidence the band have in themselves. The album has
everything you want from a Rock record; heart, hope, advice and truth.
Visit Maximo Park’s
newly revamped website at: http://maximopark.com/
You can buy or download ‘The National Health’ from the 11th of June from all
good retailers
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