The Maccabees made a triumphant return to their home turf this week.
Playing the first of a three-night sold out run at London’s Brixton Academy, the five-piece powered through hits spanning five albums, with the most impressive numbers coming from their most recent record Marks To Prove It.
In a fitting homage to where it all began for the band and where they have a recording studio – a giant photo of the Faraday Memorial on Elephant & Castle roundabout taken by David Busfield provided the stage backdrop, as seen on their latest album cover.
Ready for night one Brixton..
On stage 9pm pic.twitter.com/4RC4kq7RK7— The Maccabees (@themaccabees) January 21, 2016
Proving their status as one of the revered British guitar bands who have consistently impressed both fans and critics, the gig was absent of any dud ‘now’s a good time to get a beer’ moments.
Highlights included Love You Better, Something Like Happiness and latest single WW1 Portraits, not to mention the rather surprising encore of the indie-pop hit from their infancy, Toothpaste Kisses.
Ramping it up for the @O2Brixton encore, @themaccabees WW1 Portraits pic.twitter.com/CHklgoHv7i
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) January 21, 2016
The band – who dressed up for the occasion – beamed from the moment they stepped on stage, playing with enthusiasm and vigour, their smiles reflected by the faces that filled the arena.
Clearly moved by the reaction from their loyal following, frontman Orlando Weeks took to the mic to say a few heartfelt words on more than one occasion.
See @TheMaccabees last night in London by @_burak: https://t.co/3IntugNF32 pic.twitter.com/yGRs7vUUDM
— THE LINE of BEST FIT (@bestfitmusic) January 22, 2016
Every time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them, they’re exactly as they were on stage; polite, alluring, no arrogance, ego or false showmanship.
You just know when you know a band is great, you just know. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).
