You guys don't even know how absolutely psyched I've been for this album. I started listening to Maximo Park in April of 2016 after hearing them on a Spotify playlist titled 'Post Garage Wave Revival.' That playlist just about saved my life during state testing, to be honest. And after listening to Midnight On The Hill while chasing fireflies in my backyard over the summer, I decided I really did like this band. I would go on and on about my Midnight On The Hill stories, but I'm reviewing Risk To Exist, not Too Much Information. (Hey, leave a comment or shoot me an email if you want a review of Too Much Information) With all of that said, let's get on to the review. I'm always really interested in how a band's sound changes between albums, and Maximo Park have the perfect situation to take a quick look at. Risk To Exist has some of the intensely emotional vibe that Too Much Information has, but in a way it feels even more special, because it's mixing emotions and politics up. It still has the rambling riffs and strong bass that have been present in other Maximo Park albums, especially A Certain Trigger. Okay, I'll shut up now. I just really, really love Maximo Park. Alright, now let's get on to the review. What Did We Do To You To Deserve This?Maximo Park are starting off their sixth studio album with a political message. Be kind to everyone!! Be a good person. The lyrics and instrumentals work so well together in this one. It all sounds so pretty and jazzy and smooth and I love it. Get High (No I Don't)Nice bass in this one. Nice vocals, too. I'm noticing that... Let's call it a power-scream... Thing that frontman Paul Smith does in just about every Maximo album. IIIIIDONTWANNAGETHIIIIGHHH NO! NO. Sorry, I had to sing along. Ok, but seriously, all of the instruments here sound like they're working together with the incredibly strong bass I mentioned earlier. This song is a freakin' masterpiece. Fun fact, it was also released on my birthday. What Equals Love?Wow, a lot of questions on this album! What does equal love, anyway? I think you have to read Maximo Park's lyrics as you listen to the song, because you'll get too lost in the high-energy instrumentals to pay attention to what's going on in the song. It all really just adds to the mood. This album's so high energy so far, and again it's really refreshing compared to a lot of the new releases in the past year or two (besides Saintmotelevision, of course. The energy levels in that album were high too, but nowhere near the level Maximo Park are bringing to the table). Key change! And back to normal. Risk To ExistLoving how the guitar (if it is a guitar?) and the drums work together in this one. It makes it even more of a strong protest song. Shoutout to drummer Tom English on this one. Totally loving it. Totally imagining a potential 3rd music video for this one- Maximo Park standing in the ocean all jamming out on their respective instruments. Like You Only Live Once by The Strokes, but without the anxiety that comes along with watching it. Ok, but seriously, could Maximo Park even reach a better level of coordination? I don't think so. They've really got it, guys. I'll Be AroundIn this synthy and sweet song, Paul Smith tells us he'll always be there for us, even when the outlook on the world isn't doing too well. Even when the government is doing stuff no one wants and is endangering people. But Paul... Will you ever be around for an American tour? Anyway, the dreamy guitar matched with the synth in this one makes me feel like everything is calm despite the lyrical content. Shoutout to guitarist Duncan Lloyd and keyboardist Lukas Wooller for that coordination. Maximo Park are incredibly talented at matching serious lyrics with fun sounds. It's a great way of getting their message across, and I'm a huge fan of it! Keep it up! Work And Then WaitThat guitar thing at the beginning made me think I was listening to The Strokes' Room On Fire for a moment there. What a good song. I won't be put in my place, either. Honestly,I don't even know what to say about this one, it's just so good. It reminds me of something off Our Earthly Pleasures because of the guitar/synth coordination, yet again. The HeroI see this one playing in some sort of fancy-artsy restaurant in New York. It's good tho. Again, quite political. Whoa, I'm totally getting things in this one, but I'm not gonna say them because Twilight Collective is focusing on music instead of politics for now. But we agree with you, Maximo Park. We agree entirely. By the way, Paul Smith has to be the best possible vocalist for Maximo Park. Like, out of all vocalists ever. His voice just fits the lyrics and instrumentals so well. Sometimes I think of doing covers of Maximo Park songs, and then I realize I don't have the power voice that Paul has. Okay, seriously, this album just keeps impressing me. The Reason I Am HereThe guitar in this song is reminding me of A Certain Trigger, with its fast riffs and signature Maximo sound. Okay, this song is blowing me away too. Seriously. This album is probably the most impressive thing I've heard in quite some time. Guitar solo! Heck yeaaaah. The guitar in this song is reminding me of like seven different bands right now, but it still keeps that signature sound that Maximo park have established since 2005's A Certain Trigger. It's all so well put together! I love it! Yeah! I have English homework I should be doing instead of writing this... But Maximo Park are too important to put aside (sorry, all the other releases this year. We're working on reviews, we promise). Make What You CanPaul's vocals are so freaking impressive along with the synth and guitar pairing up. This song is once again about a serious matter, but with fun instrumentals around it. Is that the point? To have dark subjects masked by fun instrumentals because that's essentially what the world is doing to us? Like, 'hey, thousands of refugees are dying out here, but check out the new hottest electronic device you have to own!' So creepy. Maximo Park get it. Honestly, I never doubted them. They know what they're doing. Totally get it. This song totally gets it. Wow. Respond To The FeelingShoutout to Maximo Park for having incredibly strong bass lines without a bassist. Paul's vocals are so powerful in this one, too. We gotta respond to the feeling of wanting to make a change for the better in the world! Be kind to everyone!!!!!! This song gets it. Impressive vocal range, Paul. And nice synth, Lukas! Yeeaaaaa. Loving this album so much. AlchemyMaximo Park just keep getting it. Is this one about Internet privacy? Another important topic! Political albums are always so impressive, and Risk To Exist is no exception. Love and politics? Keep it up. There are really two meanings to every song on here, the 'hey I love you' one, and the 'the world is really scary at the moment' one. I love how the guitar reflects Paul's vocals in this one. So good! So good. I'm totally going to read some lyric analyses after finishing this review. ConclusionRisk To Exist has to be the most impressive album of 2017. Just flat out saying it. Maximo Park really, really get it. My favorite thing about this album is the serious lyrics masked with fun instrumentals. Whether it was purposeful or not, it's powerful, and really makes you think. By the way, the vinyl is really pretty, so I recommend going out and buying it this Record Store Day (which is tomorrow, Saturday, April 22nd, 2017). I still haven't bought the vinyl, but I'm planning on buying it soon. But yeah, this album just kept on impressing me, so I recommend listening to it as soon as possible.
See you soon. And a message to Maximo Park: If you choose to do an American tour (which we highly suggest), we'll be there at your New York or Philly show, and we'll bake cookies or something for you guys. And we'll bring some Twilight Collective stickers. And maybe a few pizzas. We'll have a pizza party. Have fun on your European tour, in the meantime, though. I bet it'll be just as awesome as Risk To Exist.
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About The AuthorLiah is a high school senior who plays guitar and loves the color yellow. She doesn't post much, but when she does, it's awesome. We promise.
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