Monday, March 3, 2014

The Maccabees: Colour It In CLASSIC REVIEW

Note: when I put an album in the "Classic Review" category, I mean a classic in my eyes. So, in case anyone wonders why certain LPs are under this title, it simply means albums that are a few years old that I think are worth talking about!

In the mid 00's a lot of bands came out playing a style of rock music that wasn't around at that point since bands like Gang of Four stopped playing it back in the 90's. Bands like Bloc Party, Foals and The Maccabees all played a catchy, somewhat angular style of rock that focused on jagged guitars and nimble rhythm sections.



One of the sadly overlooked bands in this revival however, was the previously mentioned Maccabees. They may not have continued to release stellar albums after Colour It In, but what they did do with this LP is worth mentioning. Out of all of the bands playing this kind of music in the mid 00's, none of them released a project as catchy and thoroughly exhilarating as CIN. 

The LP starts with the song "X-Ray" which may actually be the most familiar style-wise if you're into any of the aforementioned bands, it is also perhaps the most self-serious song on the entire LP. "All in Your Rows" and "Latchmere" are far more light-hearted and fun, making them some of the most memorable on CIN. The track "Precious Time" is a sweet song about relationships and is anchored by a really strong refrain.


Though there are some sources that will tell you to look over this LP because it is too familiar, I argue that The Maccabees were familiar in a good way. Unlike other bands in this style, whenever I hear a track from this LP, I am struck by just how stand out they are, for their catchy hooks and prominent bass, a quality I think any good rock song should have.

I could go on and on about how every single track on this album explodes and bounces around, but I'll restrain myself by saying that if you are looking for an LP that will lift your spirits and make you want to dance around your room for a solid half-hour; I recommend Colour It In.

9.5/10

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