Jaimie from Sheffield

Now i'm not gonna lie....I love The Maccabees. I always have. So if this is a little biased, i do apologise.
In the past year, I've seen them tens of times, literally. Living in Brighton until recently had provided me with the opportunity of following their progress since the release of... [more]

Event Date: October 10, 2009
Event Venue: 02 Academy, Leeds/Elbow Room, Leeds

   Now i'm not gonna lie....I love The Maccabees. I always have. So if this is a little biased, i do apologise.
In the past year, I've seen them tens of times, literally. Living in Brighton until recently had provided me with the opportunity of following their progress since the release of "Wall Of Arms", and so tonight as their tour drew to a close, I was saddened to think of the months they would now disappear for, much like they did after "Colour It In".
  It's not just the music, even though it is faultless. After following them round for the best part of a year, it's no longer much of a surprise to them that I'm at a Brighton/London gig, so as I bound over to Felix before the support band starts he greets me like a long lost friend and asks "What are you doing in Leeds?" The Maccabees are the sweetest boys you will ever meet. The charming shyness, the eagerness to please, the genuine love, attention and care they show fans. Likelihood is if you've met them, they'll remember you.
   Post Felix chat and support band it's time for them to take to the stage, opening with "No Kind Words" states their dominance on the stage, and they proceed to charge through a collection of favourites.."X-Ray", "Can You Give It" and the resurrection of the much loved "Latchmere".
   Orlando calls a halt to proceedings towards the end of "Precious Time", a scuffle breaks out in the standing area and from the stage Orlando shouts "OI! What Are you doing?" I don't care who started it, you're not at school"...and then proceeds to finish the song.
   Die hard fans are treated to B sides such as "Accordion Song" which alows Felix to take centre stage and then onto his little brother Hugo for a heart-warming "Hearts That Strangle".
   I know the drill, once you hear the brass section of "Love You Better" start up, you know it's the end of the set. I find myself thinking I just wish it was the start again, I'm tired and my throat hurts but I'd give anything to go back an hour.
   So that's the end.......no. There's the after party, where the White brothers take to the DJ decks. Beastie Boys, Outkast, MJ....they get more perfect by the minute.
   And so that's it. The Maccabees tour. The Maccabees second album. They blow kisses as they leave, as we drunkenly tell them this is our last encounter for a while. But when they come back...with a third album...make sure you go see them. Please. Because if anyone appreciates it, it's them. So boys...just don't leave it too long! [less]

I resolved to dance at this gig, and that's what i did. every song was better than the previous and people were on the floor within a minute of opener Space and Woods. The band actually seemed to care about the gig, and with their energy and excitement you could... [more]

Event Date: February 18, 2009
Event Venue: Brighton, Concorde 2

I resolved to dance at this gig, and that's what i did. every song was better than the previous and people were on the floor within a minute of opener Space and Woods. The band actually seemed to care about the gig, and with their energy and excitement you could easily forget they'd been touring already for weeks. The unbelieveable final combination of Focker and Bathroom Gurgle ended the gig on a high. It's sometimes easy to go straight to the front and be squashed against a barrier, but space is definitely needed to see these guys. Anybody who can resist their electro beats and catchy chorus' is insane. I go to a lot of gigs and this was one of the best. [less]

Sunday 9th December 2007. My first time to ally pally, and i have to say i was pretty impressed by the venue, even more surprised at how easy it was to find a place at the front of the crowd after buying merchandise and everything. We were majorly over excited... [more]

Event Date: December 9, 2007
Event Venue: Alexandra Palace, London

Sunday 9th December 2007. My first time to ally pally, and i have to say i was pretty impressed by the venue, even more surprised at how easy it was to find a place at the front of the crowd after buying merchandise and everything. We were majorly over excited by this point, i think i was threatening to cry! The rascals didn't disappoint, knowing that they were already friends with the monkeys there was no doubt their music was going to appeal to much of the audience, they kept us dancing while me befriended security guards and other fans, and sounded great. I'd fully recommend a trip to see them if you get the chance!

Growing excitement as the place started to fill up and time for the second support band, The Horrors. Never have a band been more aptly named, honestly the worst live act I've had the misfortune to see. The lead singer didn't make it better for himself. After being pelted with bottles and coins from the crowd the night before, he continued to agitate the audience by wondering if "they'd make more money than last night". The whole crowd turned to eachother and shook there heads as the horror of the horrors emerged. Cries of "who are ya" and plenty of boo's later they finally left. If anybody knows why they were chosen as a support band instead of reverend and the makers (as in europe) then please tell me.

After waiting even longer and being bombarded with classical music, my stomach was doing somersaults, something which happens only very rarely at gigs, but the anticipation from everyone was clear. As the lights dimmed down I looked around to see smiles all around, except for some small child next to me, who, by the way, was too young anyway!

Opening with the b-side "Sandtrap" separated the cowd into those who could sing along, and those who were stunned in wonderment, but after that everyone knew the words. The combination of "This House Is A Circus", "Teddy Picker" and "Dancefloor" following each other was the level of pure genius i'd expect from them. After that opening everyone knew this was going to be good, i was already exhausted from singing at the top of my voice, but there was no time to rest as they blasted out "Dancing Shoes", "From The Ritz To The Rubble" and "Fake Tales", showing that both albums were equally important. Continuing with the album tracks with occasional b-side gems: "Put Me In A Terror Pocket" for one. The crowd were in chorus for scummy ("When The Sun Goes Down") and "Fluorescent". The interaction between front man Alex and the crowd continued through the evening, and his wit shone through, even for such a big room full of people ;). Towards the end he proclaimed that the next song was "The One" and the intro of Brianstorm sent the whole crowd into a spin. After cries for an encore they returned to play three more tunes all of which were given great receptions. Then it was over. The buzz from everyone was clear and they truly deserve all their acclaims as best live act.

Some argued that the set-list could have been better, as their were notable absences: "Mardy Bum", "A Certain Romance", "505" and personally "Plastic Tramp". But judge for yoursefl:

Sandtrap
This House is a Circus
Teddy Picker
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Dancing Shoes
From the Ritz to the Rubble
Fake Tales of San Francisco
Balaclava
Old Yellow Bricks
Put Me in a Terror Pocket
When the Sun Goes Down
D is for Dangerous
Leave Before the Lights Come On
Fluorescent Adolescent
Da Frame 2R
Still Take You Home
Do Me a Favour
Brianstorm
————
Nettles
The View From the Afternoon
If You Were There, Beware

Overall A great night, A great band, a great venue, One great support band, a great crowd and a very loveable and attractive ;) front man, made this night truly unforgettable. For those who didn't get their you missed out, and for those that did we saw something pretty amazing I reckon! [less]