England's Maxïmo Park Live in New York
No one would ever guess that up until a few years ago, Maxïmo Park lead singer Paul Smith had never sung on stage. Last night at Webster Hall, Smith displayed a stage presence that only few possess, as Maxïmo Park put on a performance to remember. From start to finish, Paul Smith moved around the stage like an acrobatic dancer, all while maintaining a firm grasp on his new romantic vocal duties. Its no wonder that the band has become one of the biggest acts in England. Songs like Books From Boxes that never seem to take off on record are pumped full of life by the bands energetic performance. The band played a perfect mix of the best songs off of debut A Certain Trigger, and newly released sophomore album Our Earthly Pleasures. The large crowd reflected the energy of the band, passionately singing along to every song, and a group of girls who were stationed front and center reached out for a touch of Paul Smiths shiny white shoes.
Preceding Maxîmo Park were 2 female-fronted L.A. bandsThe Oohlas and Monsters Are Waiting. The Oohlas played quality fuzzy, sugar-pop, while Monsters Are Waiting again displayed why theyre a band to watch. Every time this band plays they get better and better, building on their sound. With a voice that can only be described as cute and spastic dancing, singer/keyboardist Annalee Fery is one of the best front-women in music. While Fery channels a young Debbie Harry, the rest of the band conjures up an original post-punk/new wave sound. Monsters Are Waiting will be big soon.
Maxïmo Park
Maxïmo Park
Maxïmo Park
Monsters Are Waiting
Monsters Are Waiting
The Oohlas
Photos courtesy of [Jonny-Leather]