A Certain Trigger
2005Warp Records
One of the finest British debuts of the year. Apply Some Pressure is a career highlight.
Maximo Park
All Artists
Post-Punk Revival / Indie Rock
Maximo Park
Paul Smith is one of the finest lyricists of his generation. Maximo Park are one of the most underrated British bands of the 2000s.
Newcastle, EnglandFormed 2000Active
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Biography
Maximo Park
Maximo Park formed in Newcastle in 2000, Paul Smith's literary, emotionally direct lyrics and the band's angular, melodic post-punk sound giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to Warp Records and released their debut album 'A Certain Trigger' (2005) — one of the most acclaimed British debuts of the year.
'A Certain Trigger' was an immediate statement of intent. 'Apply Some Pressure', 'Going Missing', 'Graffiti', and 'The Coast Is Always Changing' were all excellent singles. Smith's lyrics were more literary and emotionally complex than most of his post-punk revival contemporaries, and the band's musicianship was exceptional. The album reached number nine.
Maximo Park have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. 'Our Earthly Pleasures' (2007) and 'Quicken the Heart' (2009) were both strong follow-ups. Smith has also had a successful solo career. They remain one of the most consistently excellent British indie bands of their generation.
Discography
The Albums
Our Earthly Pleasures
2007Warp Records
A strong follow-up. Girls Who Play Guitars is one of their finest songs.
Quicken the Heart
2009Warp Records
A more polished sound. The Kids Are Sick Again is one of their most underrated songs.
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