Music > Live Reviews

The Maccabees @ UEA

24/11/15

With a devoted fan base, a live show to die for and a host of fantastic albums to back them up, The Maccabees have got it all. I was there to experience their triumphant return to Norwich UEA for what stands as one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve ever been to.

Drenge, a garage rock trio from Sheffield, were an unlikely choice of support with a sound that hugely differs from The Maccabees’ enchantingly sweet melodies, but put on an incredible show nonetheless. Appealing to the younger members of the audience in particular, a lively circle pit opened up within seconds of the first note being played, barely stifled for their entire 40 minute set. Alongside old material, tracks from their latest album Undertow were showcased, in particular We Can Do What We Want shattering the calm atmosphere with its rapturous chorus and fierce riffs.

Marks to Prove It is hands down one of the defining records of 2015, and hearing The Maccabees open their set with its ground-breaking title track was quite simply an experience to behold. A huge wave of calamitous enthusiasm engulfed the room, lit in regal golden shades, as Feel to Follow arrived, the band beaming with smoke rolling down around their feet, like Greek gods atop a mountain. Brass and percussion contributions from additional personnel filled the rest of the impressive stage set up and added to the sense of awe.

New tracks like Kamakura reflected the close to home feel of the record, the band making the place their own as the crowd roared the lyrics back at them. Guitarist Felix White referenced the band’s last outing in Norwich, “at the Waterfront about six months ago” – although it was the Arts Centre eleven months ago. Nice one Felix. As the set progressed, every song could have been the closer, reaching dizzying heights with chaotic but enjoyable moshes on the floor echoing the blinking strobes reaching out from the ceiling. Huge shadows of the band members danced across the back walls, apt given the size of their sound and the scale of their reception.

A four song encore saw new material juxtaposed with old – the enchanting Toothpaste Kisses may have been the slowest song on the set but was met with one of the best reactions – before Pelican saw a spot-lit audience reach a pinnacle of happiness as one final circle pit closed, leaving every single person there exhausted but satisfied. Hands down a truly perfect way to finish gig season for the end of the year.