Reviews / Album

The Midas touch of superproducers (Timbaland, Usher et al.) is obvious on the whole album, but easily none more than that of Justin Timberlake.

...the impact of fame and media criticism becomes evident in their lyrics, especially in Night & Day as their renowned comical element turns stern for a fleeting moment in the obvious light of musical and physical maturity.

Maximo Park might’ve named this album after their view of the GFC and riots throughout their own native Britain and other parts of Europe, but as far as this scribe’s concerned, it may as well be an abstract analogy.

They have to be commended for their bravery, but Pop Etc would have been better off sticking a little closer to home.

Here We Are’s strength lies in its consistency – each track is incredibly well-produced, with an edginess that speaks of the band’s musical style without becoming repetitive.

Although the album isn’t as bad arse as a cereal bowl of bullets would have you believe, Mystery Jets have stretched their wings, got some scuff marks on their boots and simply delivered.

For all the unsettling moments, the unusual treatment of instruments and the occasional atonality, each track reaches a point of resolution that fulfils and changes the nature of the piece.