The Maccabees [Live]

Crowd Pleasing Set But Nothing Special From The Maccabees


After a delayed train and a whole host of other events that caused me to be late to see The Maccabees in Bristol O2 Academy, I was settled in hearing the last support act beginning their set as I arrived at the venue. However, after a lack of my name on the guestlist seeing the last support act become ever more distant. An anxious crowd awaits The Maccabees as I enter the astonishingly packed room. Nicely laid out (apart from the fence type bars at the back) and a nice atmosphere as soon as I get in.

The Maccabees enter from stage right to a hugely welcoming crowd and waste no time kicking in to ‘No Kind Words’ sending the crowd into madness. During ‘One Hand Holding’, front man Orlando delves into some rather Morrissey like movement, however, I start finding it difficult to concentrate due to the rather over excited couple dry humping in front of me on the steps below…

There is a good vibe from The Maccabees through the first couple of songs. Very little crowd banter from front man Orlando which did give off a slight sense of arrogance from him. Luckily, their lead guitarist gives the crowd a bit of conversation after every few songs. There was no better reaction from the crowd than when they kicked in to ‘Can You Give It’ which is taken from their latest album released earlier this year. Then the show became more musically interesting when three brass players came out for the majority of the set which added something special which a lot of bands fail to do at live shows.

‘Toothpaste Kisses’ brought the crowd into a sway and a fair few lighters emerged, that’s until the big burly security guys literally jumped in the crowds to stop them.

Unfortunately a technical hitch screwed up a few songs mid way through the set. The band decided to carry on whilst the 2nd guitarist stood with his back to the crowd, just staring at the techs carrying on and off a few Fender amps, until they finally settled on an Orange stack. Still this caused more problems and they decided a break was in order to sort out the problems. They returned but failed to show any real commitment to the last few songs. Fortunately the crowd still appreciated the songs they played and when they finished on ‘Love You Better’ it certainly sent everyone home on a high.

For the fans of The Maccabees they delivered a treat with a set consisting of 20+ songs and included all their hits, however, it’s a shame stage presence wasn’t a big part of the night.