Third Time Lucky - Maccabees best album to date - Hummable

'Given to the Wild' is Maccabees newest album which is the third for them. However, this time around they have changed their original producer and got a new one. BTW, Maccabees are a 5 piece South London based Indie Boy Band (for those more inclined to know their origins).

I have had the privilege of being at their live show and had taken to like them. I would not call me a ‘fan’ but genuinely liked their refreshing approach to rock and roll. Theirs was a very soft and soothing take on the whole rock and roll experience. Since then I tend to look out for their releases and hear them out, at least once. I would confess their first two albums did not set me on fire. It was good but that was it.

OVERVIEW or GIST (for those in a hurry)
With ‘Given To The Wild’, I think they have grown. Their signature repetitive lyrics are still there but have much more meaning to them after being beautifully arranged within the whole piece. Plainly speaking, the arrangements are indeed very good despite being complex. It has a very well defined brass mix-down with structured sample and drum pieces, akin to popular rococo numbers.

I always had the feeling that their type was very apt for festivals and would work wonderfully with advertisements but somehow the first two albums suggested that they have a lot to catch up if they would indeed be taken seriously as record artists. Happily, I stand corrected. They look perfect in records too.

I have noticed that some critics are now going over the top claiming this to be their ‘mainstream breakthrough’ album. I would not yet go overboard on this count. They have progressed and their stature has grown with this album and if they continue with their soft-soft approach they would, without doubt, make it to the top.

MORE DETAILS

The record opens with the song ‘Child’, if you do not take into account the 2 min introduction instrumental track. The lyrics are exquisite - - “Never as a child/Would you give this the time of day”. It is sheer poetry. The song is very hummable – as soft and soothing as the poetry itself, and ode of brilliance with a romantic hue.

It is followed by ‘Feel To Follow’. The lyrics do not meet the standard set earlier nor do the music. The drums are lax and lack energy reducing the effectiveness of the piece.

Next we have the vocalist humming sweet ‘Ayla’ which still rings in your ear even after hearing the next two tracks ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Forever I’ve Known’. Ayla lyrics are indeed beautiful “I could make something right/Gentle with the kindness I’d like/So often it’s a trick of the light’’.

These are the type of guitar driven songs that slowly builds the crescendo kicking in with full-blown renditions towards the end. These tracks have that lift to leave you elated though it does not have the feel of the typical rock and roll.

Next you have ‘Heave’ which is good without being something special. ‘Pelican’, however is brilliance written all over. It is flirtingly addictive and provides the impetus to make the album a hit. ‘Went Away’ is cool but nothing to write about. ‘Go’, ‘Unknown’ ‘Slowly One’ and ‘Grew Up At Midnight’ bring up the rear – all decent ones but without the kick or élan needed to lift the album to the spectacular.

FINAL WORD
It has superior lyrics and some tracks are simply awesome having that soothing feel that leaves you satisfied. It does not rattle up a storm but neither does it irritate the guts out of anybody in the vicinity not in tune with a rock N roll.

Maccabees have done a track too many and 13 should not be a number to have on an album, could have done with 10 best ones and left the rest to live shows.