MAXIMO PARK AT THE LEADMILL: ART IN HUMAN FORM

Last night at The Leadmill in Sheffield, Maximo Park delivered a performance that can only be described as a natural antidepressant. Their infectious energy created a euphoric experience, lifting the spirits of everyone in attendance. It was a night where the worries of the world seemed to melt away, replaced by the pure joy of live music. The band, led by the ever-charismatic Paul Smith, took the stage with an energy that was palpable from the first note of their set opener, “Your Own Worst Enemy” from new album “Stream of Life”.

The crowd, a mix of long-time fans and new listeners, was immediately swept up in the band’s infectious enthusiasm. A ferocious “Signal and Sign” followed from debut album “A Certain Trigger”.

With an impressive eight albums under their belt, last night marked their fourth time playing Sheffield, a city with which they have a strong connection. Sheffield label, Warp Records, played a significant role in the early stages of the bands career. Frontman Paul Smith also reminisced fondly about their recent set at this year’s Tramlines Festival. Adding to their Sheffield ties is keyboardist Jemma Freese, who joined the band as a touring member in 2019. Her presence has injected a fresh dynamic into their sound, highlighting the band’s continual evolution and willingness to experiment.

In a special nod to their influences, Smith explained that Vanessa Briscoe Hay would soon be coming through the speakers. Hay is from the legendary Athens band Pylon who feature on their new album. Her distinctive voice create a striking contrast on next track “Dormant ‘Til Explosion,” it’s especially noticeable when they exchange lines in the second verse. Adding this contribution from a renowned eighties artists, adds a layer of nostalgia and depth to their already rich sound.

The setlist was a perfect blend of hits and lesser-known gems, showcasing the band’s impressive discography. The band stormed into classics like “Hips and Lips” and “Books from Boxes” which were met with enthusiastic cheers, but it was the deep cuts from the current album with a slow paced “Armchair View” and “Favourite Songs” that truly highlighted Maximo Park’s catchy song writing prowess. Paul Smith also mentioned taking a break from certain usual songs to keep the setlist exciting for everyone, promising that those favourites would return.

Smith, with his usual modest charm, shared anecdotes and insights behind the songs, making the audience feel like they were part of an intimate conversation rather than just spectators. Watching Paul Smith perform is like witnessing a living piece of art in motion. He has a unique, artful approach to his performances, making each show a visual and auditory spectacle. His genuine love for his craft shone through brightly last night, the performance was infused with that unmistakable enthusiasm that underscores his deep connection to the music and his fans.

It’s clear that for Smith, every show is not just a concert, but a celebration of the art he loves.

The highlight for most was undoubtedly the performance of their most popular track “Apply Some Pressure,” which brought the crowd bouncing and left everyone buzzing with excitement. Personally, I found immense enjoyment in every track from the new album. I never imagined they could produce something that would rival my affection for “A Certain Trigger” and “The National Health”, yet ‘The Stream of Life’ has beautifully encapsulated that same essence with a refreshing twist.

As the band left the stage, the crowd roared for an encore, the band graciously returned with Smith referencing Thatcher with track “No Such Thing As A Society” which is off the latest album. The track reflects on Thatcher’s famous quote from 1987 and critiques the idea of individualism over community. This was followed by Parisian Skies from Maximo Park’s second studio album, “Our Earthly Pleasures”.

Maximo Park consistently exemplifies their preeminence in the music industry, excelling not only as masterful songwriters but also as one of the most electrifying and dynamic live bands on the planet. Their performances are a testament to their unparalleled artistry and enduring appeal, leaving audiences from city to city spellbound and yearning for more.

As the night came to a close with “Going Missing”, it was clear that Maximo Park remains as relevant and vital as ever. Their ability to blend post-Britpop and post-punk influences while still pushing their musical boundaries is a testament to their longevity in the industry. This show was a solid reminder of why they’ve been a beloved act of mine for over 16 years.

Words and photograghy by Rachel Brown

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