Live Review - Maximo Park

Maximo Park and Pins @ Princess Pavilion, Falmouth 17/05/17

 For Falmouth, the music scene has grown and transgressed into what can only be described as a combination of avant-rock and alternative folk. So for an artist such as Maximo Park to travel this far south, you knew it was going to be a massive performance of nostalgia and new driven inspiration both for the fans who have been around since 2005’s ‘A Certain Trigger’ and for the newcomers. For supporting band PINS, an all female group from Manchester, their slow paced rock infused song were going to be perfect for the young alternative crowd. Playing in the stunning and intimate Princess Pavilion over looking Gylly Beach, the night was undoubtedly going to capture the care free yet energetic dynamism that makes Cornwall so unbeatable. 

PINS brought an increasing energy from start to finish, drawing the crowd in for the headliners. Capturing Maximo’s alternative heavy bass guitar, they executed their performance in such a way causing a trance like state amongst the audience. This hypnotic atmosphere replicates that of bands such as Deap Valley, Beach House and Black Honey, so if you’re a fan of this style of music, then PINS are the ones to watch out for. Playing  primarily from their newly released EP ‘Bad Things’, the group embraced the crowd, which in this case was filled with every age group imaginable. This variety was embraced, and the atmosphere could not have been more welcoming. Falmouth has always been a great place for encouraging the growth of musicians and artists, so the see a group such as PINS perform was not a disappointment. 

After their set finished the crowd’s energy began to shift, the first act and the tension and excitement began to grow. Opening with ‘Deserve This’ from their latest album ‘Risk to Exist’ which was only released at the beginning of the month, Maximo’s front man Paul Smith burst onto stage and did not mess around. Diving straight into his well known energetic, charismatic persona, Smith became contagious as the crowd danced with him. The band then went on to perform songs from ‘Our Earthly Pleasures’ which was released back in 2007 and even from their first album ‘A Certain Trigger’. Whilst the crowds persisted on hearing every single song from their two oldest albums, their new songs such as ‘The Hero’, ‘What Equals Love’ and ‘Risk to Exist’ proved to be the highlights, and were amazing to hear live.

It is clear to say that though it has been twelve years since their first album was released, Maximo have not lost their original style which is what lead the gig to be such a success. As it’s such a common occurrence to have musicians and artists transform their music to fit the mainstream, Maximo Park have stuck to their guns and produced an amazing album which will serve them well as alternative rock band. It is artists like Maximo Park who will continue to help keep the music industry growing, especially down in Cornwall. After already having Frank Turner master two sold out shows in the Pavilion, Maximo have been an incredible act to follow. Without a doubt, the band’s popularity will be on the increase, and along with PINS, it is safe to say that this genre of music will outlive mainstream pop artists.