Maximo Park return to the music machine this summer with new singles, their first gigs of the year and a new album, The National Health. With the record due for release on the 11th June, they’ve put up their first single from the LP, Hips and Lips (also released on the 11th), as a preview track.
It’s a good opening song for their new work with simple tales of relationship woes. The intro starts things out pretty stylishly with electro overlays and haunted vocals.
Though the sum of the song isn’t quite as cool as the building opening implies, it’s got a lot going for it. Like a pop art homage to girlfriend troubles, it sums up the state with some great lyrics that include “your face will fall, but let’s try to keep it together”.
Rhythm and pace give Hips and Lips a catchy flow and the traces of unnecessary drama feed the idea of the song well.
With three gigs lined up for the releases it could an impressive return for the midlanders.
Maximo Park gig dates 2012:
June
6th – Glee Club, Birmingham
7th – Sound Control, Manchester
8th – Heaven, London
Maximo Park, Hips and Lips single review: 4/5
