Wall of Arms by The Maccabees
LABEL: Fiction



After a cheery first release and working with Markus Dravs, it was rather surprising to find The Maccabees adopting this flirting-with-dark pop tone that serves them so well. It may not give itself to the instant singles of 'Colour It In,' but instead it sounds more grown up—something you can listen to with friends and not find yourself the only adult at a show.

This album works wonderfully, largely an upbeat high tempo affair that catches you easily, all the better to get your guard down for the couple slow beautiful soundscapes (especially 'Bag of Bones,' the final track of this set). The balance throughout manages to keep you hooked from the very beginning in an enhanced style. This isn't to say their prior fans are going to feel lost; they are still the brilliant little Brighton pop band they were. They've just grown up and taken the place they deserve overlooking the musical horizon.

Only history will truly tell but things seem to be looking up for The Maccabees and this could be their ticket to crossover appeal. Don't judge it on the first listen, this is an album that shows itself more and more on the subsequent play-throughs when you can get into the work and find yourself remarking just how interesting those measures are. 17 Hands especially is something that should be tossed on repeat till you've really got what’s going on.

REVIEWED BY RAIN PLETCHER
rain@groovemine.com