The crowd slowly began filling the room for warm-up act Glass Towers, who brought their English indie-inspired sounds with jangling melodies and sprightly riffs in tracks like Gloom, radio hit Jumanji and a number of tracks from their forthcoming debut album.
By the time Maximo Park took to the stage, the room was full, with a mixture of ex-pats and locals of all ages displaying the band's wide-reaching music. Singer Paul Smith bounced onto the stage in a black fitted shirt and trousers with his trademark bowler hat to cheers from the audience. Following opener, When I Was Wild, it didn't take long for Smith to begin jumping around with leg splits and wiggling bum moves for the title track from their latest album, The National Health. His banter with the crowd really added another level and prompted some friendly heckling from over-excited fans.
As always, Smith's strong North East England accent shone through each song, from classic Girls Who Play Guitars to newie Hips And Lips and, although the crowd seemed to know some of the newer tunes, the older hits were really what got them going. Other classics, Graffiti, The Coast Is Always Changing and Going Missing, were big numbers that got everyone singing while Smith's moves gathered flailing momentum. Apply Some Pressure finished the set to great applause, before the band returned for the heartfelt I Want You To Stay and a massive version of Our Velocity, which got everyone in the crowd jumping around for one last hoorah.
Another great gig from one of England's best live acts.
