Maccabees Review - October 2009

Fraser Knott

Gig Review – The Maccabees

Saturday 10^th October 2009 @ The 02 Academy, Leeds

***** - Five Stars

“Yorkshire, Yorkshire!” a chant that pulsates around the room, bringing the already ecstatic and pulsating crowd together. An echo of what seems to be cultural pride reverberates around the room. However, the band, soon to take to the stage, hail not from the north, but the south.  Born and bred in London and now based on the shores of Brighton, The Maccabees, tonight, intend to impress, to prove to everyone there, that Leeds is their home from home.

It was tonight that would decide their fate, an anticipation fuelled crowd watch eagerly, hoping and praying that their expectations of this up-beat quintet are met. If all goes well, this could be a gig that goes down in Maccabees history.

There’s a timid “hello” from front man Orlando Weeks, and a nerve stricken smile from guitarist Felix White, proving that even rising rock stars such as these can also succumb to nerves.

Within seconds of this awkward introduction, they realise the place is packed, every inch is covered, not one seat is empty and there is not one person in the room who is not there to see them. This level of interest clearly wasn’t expected.

As the crowd scream and cheer, smiles creep on to their faces, they seem to realise how much fun can be had with this, the final night of their tour.

With this new sense of ease they burst into No Kind Words, a crowd favourite from their recently released second album, Wall Of Arms. The album was considered a masterpiece among the already loyal fan base; it was this album however, that secured them a place amongst indie royalty. With sales figures on the up and single after single reaching the charts, The Maccabees are now rubbing shoulders with the likes of underground indie giants The Cribs, and have officially taken their place as Britain’s new favourite indie-pop band.

As they build up into the final, breath taking chorus, the whole room moves, as if the audience are one. The almost silent middle eight sweeps across the crowd, every word taken in, every word repeated in perfect harmony.

 As the beat drops, the room is filled with energy and not one person is still, it is an opening song that will always be remembered.

Throughout the performance un-expected hits from their debut album Colour It In are unleashed; humorous childhood images are re-lived during the up-beat Latchmere and heart strings are frantically tugged during the unforgettable Precious Time; these are among the favourites.

Hidden B-sides (such as the relatively unknown Accordion Song) are also thrown in to the mix, turning out to be exceptional hits, diversifying the set.

Catchy sing-along choruses and fast, up-beat riffs are pulled out left right and centre leaving the crowd begging for more.

As the final song looms, everyone in the room hopes for one song and one song only.

The first few lines of that very song are joyfully whispered down the microphone, front man Orlando Weeks knows everyone is waiting for this moment.

They erupt into the first verse of their most successfully release to date, First Love; the crowd becomes manic and everyone begins to dance frantically.

Three minutes of indie pop perfection later and the final song draws to a close, the energy level of the room however, is still through the roof.

The triumphant Maccabees depart from the stage, politely bowing to the audience that has made tonight such a success.

The lights are lowered, and the room is almost pitch black, cheers and screams fade into silence.

Seconds later guitars are tuned and microphones replaced, an encore is surely imminent.

Realisation sets in throughout the crowd and the once silent room is filled by screams for more. The energy level of the room again bursts through the roof.

The Maccabees heroically return to the stage, calmly breaking into the soothing Wall Of Arms hit Bag Of Bones, everyone is at ease. This slow and beautiful song is the perfect song for their encore, the audience sway slowly from side to side, drifting deeper and deeper into euphoria. To return with the final track of their recently released second album is unexpected by most, but loved by all.

As the encore continues, Seventeen Hands, (another exceptional hit from their second album due to its mix of catchy harmonies and alternating tempo) is unveiled.

Orlando’s exceptional skill as a front man and vocalist really begins to blossom, with his unusual and beautiful voice stunning all.

They then regretfully announce this is the final song, not one person is disappointed.

The perfect set has been played, hit after hit, stunning hidden gems amongst the expected surprising all. They could walk off now and everyone in the room would be satisfied. They do however have one song left up their sleeves; Wall Of Arms hit single Love You Better. This deeply emotional, up-beat song connects with everyone in the crowd on every level and no one can believe how amazing this has been.

When final song draws to a close Orlando, Felix, Hugo, Rupert and Sam are almost in tears, it is apparent they too can not believe how amazing this has been.

Everyone begins to leave, merchandise in hand, they know they have witnessed something special. That this could be the last time they see The Maccabees in such a small surrounding, as after tonight’s performance, an arena tour is surely on the cards.