This is the new Maximo Park single ‘Girls Who Play Guitars’, which isn’t released in the UK until 20th August, but I have the video and an exclusive review already here on Brit Music Scene.
Maximo Park are a band you either love or hate, there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground at all. I’m definitely in the former camp, rating them as one of my favourite bands around at the moment. They can’t seem to put a foot wrong, with great song after great song, and a 2nd album just as good as their debut.
This is one of my favourite songs of that 2nd album ‘Our Earthly Pleasures’, and being the first track on the album, it sets the mood for the rest of the songs perfectly.
As great as the song is, the video is a big disappointment, and isn’t up to their usual fare. I loved the videos for the previous 2 releases from this album, with ‘Our Velocity‘ being one of the best kooky pop videos I’ve seen in a long time.
The simplicity and frankly shoddiness of the video takes nothing away from the song though, which maintains it’s power throughout. The lyrics could have been written by no-one other than the uber talented poet lead singer Paul Smith, with their subtle meaning and innuendo subtly blending with the harsh sounding pumping bassline.
“In the gaps, between words, are the things that really intrigue me. It’s the gasps, and the sighs that say more about what’s inside you” is such a brilliant line, which I love. The song seems to be about a relationship ending after one or both parties got bored with it, and the reflections on how it used to be. There may also be an element of the female in the relationship cheating on the guy.
The video isn’t without it’s merits, with the mock gig scenes in the 2nd half giving a good account of what seeing Maximo Park live is actually like. Just imagine Paul and Lukas (Keyboard) going about 10 times more mental, and jumping about a bit more.
I recently told Pete Doherty to ditch the hat, well I want Paul Smith to keep his on as I’ve seen the haircut underneath, and it’s frankly appalling. Great band, great song off a great album, just ditch the video director and get a decent one next time.