gradys_kitchen

The sound of a band finding itself. A little redundant at times but still full of poppy alt and UK post punk songs.

Much like fellow English men in Elbow, Maccabees have built a great formula balancing the adrenaline fueled alternative anthems ready for commercial play, with more muted, introspective tunes. Overall, one of the most consistent bands releasing albums in this newish century.

The band is still struggling to find the inspiration that made their first two albums so great. An artist’s need to grow and branch in new directions is understood, but when it drifts too far from the core sounds and emotions that combined to make earlier releases so good, later career albums like Why Are You Ok just sound so mediocre.

"In A Drawer" with J. Mascis is a return to form with the bonus of the guest’s vocals. Catchy but with the grit and wordplay of old BOH.

When a band wears its influences on its sleeve, it's often looked down upon by critics and 'music enthusiasts'. To me it is always an over reaction. These are influences, not musicians playing in a tribute band. Django Django bring back the sound of The Beta Band but with better pop structure and no slow burners. I love most everything from the Beta Band, but admittedly recognize the dour somds or the ambient like experimentations. Django Django employs the same creativity and blend of sounds ... read more