The Maccabees have come a long way since the days of Latchmere’s infamous “wave machine” and their adolescent promises of “heart shaped bruises” and ‘Toothpaste Kisses’.
Their 2007 debut, Colour It In, was light, amusing and unveiled a talented band who were flourishing. Their loyal fanbase has significantly increased and the band’s popularity was particularly evident at the 2012 Reading and Leeds Festival where the band revealed a new six minute song – ‘Forever I’ve Known’ from Given To The Wild.
However, their third album differs from those that have come before. Given To The Wild is deeper and the lyrics more meaningful than fans have been exposed to in earlier tracks. The first track on the album highlights this approach. ‘Child’ is concerned with innocence and its melodious sound mirrors this. The theme of growth and the mourning of youth is continued in ‘Ayla’ and ‘Pelican’, where the focal line, “one thing’s for sure/we’re all getting older”, highlights the intentions of the track.
The only disappointment one may find is that the album lacks the euphoric kick of Colour it in and Wall
of Arms. Instead, there is more of a seamless floating motion that takes you gently into each track, rather than a sudden beat that throws the listener. ‘Pelican’, the first track released from the album epitomises the stop-start, heavy and jolting sound that shakes the album and provides a perfect contrast with other mellow, enchanting tracks such as ‘Shimmer’ and the final majestic song, ‘Grew up at Midnight’.
Given to the Wild is a record that feels less nonchalant than Colour Me In, and more grown up than Wall of Arms. The Maccabees have nurtured their artistry, reviving them from an ‘under the radar’ label, and instead illuminating their talent.
NIAMH CONNOLLY