Newcastle's Maxïmo Park Celebrates 21-Year-Old Debut with Unbridled Energy
The jagged soundscapes of their debut album still resonate today, a sonic snapshot of late-noughties angst and rebellion. Yet, during an anniversary show in Glasgow, the band proved they're more than just relics of a bygone era – they've aged surprisingly well.
Paul Smith's stage presence is undeniable, with a rakish swagger that recalls the likes of Jarvis Cocker. His scissor kick off the drum riser is a showstopper, and for an instant, it feels like he's channeling his inner post-punk hero from their 2005 debut. The rest of the band plays in perfect sync, as if they're perpetually plugged into some secret energy source.
The setlist is a well-curated mix of old and new, with the exception that Maxïmo Park won't stick to the original album's track order. Smith assures fans they'll get to hear 97% of the content, which feels like a generous compromise. Recent single "Favourite Songs" gets an airing, its pointed lyrics and sing-along chorus still landing with conviction.
One question lingers over anniversary shows: how to maintain dignity when touting tickets for music that defined an era? Maxïmo Park sidesteps this challenge through sheer showmanship – a split-atom energy, sharp wit, and stage chops honed from years of touring. Smith's singing has also grown significantly; the held note at "I Want You to Stay" is awe-inspiring.
While guitarist Duncan Lloyd remains blissfully inconspicuous, keyboardist Jemma Freese proves herself a focal point, imbuing tracks like "Versions of You" with warmth and vulnerability. It's a tender reflection on parenthood and absence – their finest song thus far?
The show culminates with the anthemic "Going Missing," as Smith leaps off the drums in a final display of defiance. In doing so, Maxïmo Park have managed to recalibrate their sound for modern ears, defying the expectations set by their debut 21 years ago.
The jagged soundscapes of their debut album still resonate today, a sonic snapshot of late-noughties angst and rebellion. Yet, during an anniversary show in Glasgow, the band proved they're more than just relics of a bygone era – they've aged surprisingly well.
Paul Smith's stage presence is undeniable, with a rakish swagger that recalls the likes of Jarvis Cocker. His scissor kick off the drum riser is a showstopper, and for an instant, it feels like he's channeling his inner post-punk hero from their 2005 debut. The rest of the band plays in perfect sync, as if they're perpetually plugged into some secret energy source.
The setlist is a well-curated mix of old and new, with the exception that Maxïmo Park won't stick to the original album's track order. Smith assures fans they'll get to hear 97% of the content, which feels like a generous compromise. Recent single "Favourite Songs" gets an airing, its pointed lyrics and sing-along chorus still landing with conviction.
One question lingers over anniversary shows: how to maintain dignity when touting tickets for music that defined an era? Maxïmo Park sidesteps this challenge through sheer showmanship – a split-atom energy, sharp wit, and stage chops honed from years of touring. Smith's singing has also grown significantly; the held note at "I Want You to Stay" is awe-inspiring.
While guitarist Duncan Lloyd remains blissfully inconspicuous, keyboardist Jemma Freese proves herself a focal point, imbuing tracks like "Versions of You" with warmth and vulnerability. It's a tender reflection on parenthood and absence – their finest song thus far?
The show culminates with the anthemic "Going Missing," as Smith leaps off the drums in a final display of defiance. In doing so, Maxïmo Park have managed to recalibrate their sound for modern ears, defying the expectations set by their debut 21 years ago.
, 21 yrs is old, but these guys are still bringing the energy 
! Paul Smith's stage presence is insane 
, I'm loving how they mix old & new tracks, keeps it fresh for both old fans & newcomers 
. "Favourite Songs" still hits hard 
, and that final showstopper "Going Missing" is EVERYTHING 
. glad to see Maxïmo Park aged well, not just their music 
. It's like they're proving that their music isn't just a blast from the past, but something that still resonates today 
. And I love how they've evolved as artists – Duncan Lloyd may not be the most showy guitarist, but Jemma Freese is killing it on keys 
. The setlist mix of old and new is perfect, too – you get a good sense of their discography without feeling like you're stuck in nostalgia mode 
!
Their setlist was a great mix of old and new, with some nice surprises like the recent single "Favourite Songs". I love how they're still pushing themselves creatively while staying true to their sound. It's clear that they've got a dedicated fanbase, but even if you weren't born during the late '90s, Maxïmo Park can make you feel like part of something special – and that's no easy feat! 
, and it's clear they've honed their craft over the years. Paul Smith's vocals have grown so much – he can really belt out a tune now 
! What I love most about this show was how they mixed old and new tracks – it felt like a masterclass in nostalgia without feeling too retro 
anyway, maxïmo park played this awesome mix of old and new songs and it felt so natural to the band playing live 
they're not just relics of the late 2000s, they've evolved so much since then 
and the guitar work was on point too 
which is totally admirable
i loved "favourite songs" they should play that more often lol also duncan lloyd is literally invisible i'm not mad at him 
but jemma freese's keyboard parts are so underrated she's the real MVP 
... I mean, who needs to actually play live when you've got a perfectly good recorded version of "Favourite Songs" to rely on? But wait, nope! I'm convinced that's exactly what they were doing all along – keeping it real and raw with their unbridled energy. Their stage presence is so cool, it's like Paul Smith is channeling his inner punk rock icon... or maybe he's just trying way too hard 
anyway can we please get them back on tour ASAP? 
. The rest of the band is tight too, they've clearly got their act together after all these years. I love how they mixed old and new tracks, it kept the show fresh. And that final song "Going Missing" still gives me chills 
, his stage presence is so infectious it'll get u moving! 
. all in all, maxïmo park is still killing it after 21 years...they're proof that good music stands the test of time 
and it was so cool to see them kill it after all these years 
. And that "Favourite Songs" single? Still giving me chills every time 
. Not sure if I'll ever see them live again though, think the ticket prices might be a bit steep for this old wallet 
!
- Eleanor Roosevelt
and the whole band is so tight, it's amazing how well they've aged considering their debut was 21 years ago... I think what impresses me most is how they're able to update their sound without losing that raw energy that made them great in the first place