REVIEW: THE MACCABEES – GIVEN TO THE WILD
With the media ever present with articles about the death of indie rock, The Maccabee’s third studio album ‘Give to the Wild’ couldn’t have come at a better time. Having been almost three years since their last release ‘Wall of Arms’ in 2009, fans and critics alike waited with baited breath for the release on January 9th.
Starting with ‘Given to the Wild (intro)’ is clear that the band are onto a new chapter. Dulcet tones and howling, echo-fuelled vocals introduce us to a deeper, more experimental take on the indie genre. Second track ‘Child’ is brought in with the help of sultry guitar and vulnerable vocals before erupting into a frenzy of electric, brass ridden jamming reminiscent of Foals’ ‘Total Life Forever.’ The similarities with the math-rock group continue, however Orlando and Felix’s distinctive vocals give The Maccabees the edge to set them apart.
Third track ‘Feel to Follow’ is an epic eruption of noise, with the guitars taking full reign and drummer Sam Doyle having the time of his life. A pattern starts to emerge, as each song tends to start off slow and gentle before bursting into a raucous of jostling instruments and wailing choruses. Three tracks in and it’s already obvious that the album was written for live performance. ‘Ayla’ is possibly the track most akin to the band’s previous material with spritely guitar licks and a chorus as catchy as ever. ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Forever I’ve Known’ takes the tempo down a notch, proving the band can still do a ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ style ballad without taking a backwards step.
‘Heave’ is surprisingly similar to the folky talents of Fleet Foxes or Mumford and Sons thanks to harmonious vocals taking centre stage, whilst ‘Pelican’ has a punk rock feel but with The Maccabees signature style. ‘Went Away’ electronica opening proves that the band have grown into pastures new, which flows over to next track ‘Go.’ Many bands have attempted to incorporate the electronica trend into their material with most failing but The Maccabees still manage to keep their dignity and produce electronic-indie to its fullest potential. The album finishes with ‘Grew up at Midnight,’ with the opening vocal similar to that of Bon Iver’s latest record.
The Maccabees have really come into their own with this third album. Sounding more mature and distinguished than ever, there’s no reason why ‘Given to the Wild’ can’t single-handedly save indie-rock in 2012.
Words: Sammy Maine
