The Maccabees – Love You Better

With so many of the gang of 2007 having fallen fowl of second-album syndrome (hell, even the NME can’t stand the new Enemy one), it’s hard not to suspect that Brighton tykes The Maccabees must be feeling the strain a little. But to their credit, new single “Love You Better” is a pop gem as delightful as any they’ve release to date, with Orlando Weeks’ vocals as impassioned and memorable as ever. While it’s no quantum leap from their debut, the horn arrangement that builds over the song’s three minute is a smart, impressively restrained addition to their arsenal, and with their imitable brand of slow-burning anthemics as sharp as ever, “Love You Better” bodes very well indeed for the full-length comeback ‘Wall Of Arms’.

Review by Mark Corcoran-Lettice

The Maccabees – No Kind Words

At last The Maccabees return, and with ‘No Kind Words’, they do so in quite some style. Those expecting the return of the arty romantics that delighted so many last time may be taken off guard by the dark and angry five-piece that has returned in their place. The pulsating guitar and fist in the air choruses are still there, but with them comes a new-found frustration at the world, and instead of singing about swimming pools and toothpaste kisses, lead singer Orlando laments about being alone and general bad stuff. But the quality of the tunes has not deserted them, and No Kind Words pulses with energy and a fiery determination. It promises much for the return of The Maccabees and sends out a certain warning to their pretenders.

Review by Rob Sellars