Reading 2005 : Maximo Park in the Radio 1 / NME Tent

Arriving in the NME/Radio 1
tent to a much smaller crowd than deserved, Maximo Park are determined to let
us know exactly who they are with a giant logo emblazoned at the back of the
stage. Frontman Paul Smith’s confidence
built up by a summer of touring, is apparnant, and he was completely at home on
stage, generally acting a bit more able to talk than your average lead singer.

Set wise they pounded tracks
from A Certain Trigger with admirable zest and poise. Although not having quite reached the success
of their peers, the Kaiser Chiefs (sorely missed
on the bill by the way), their fan dedication is apparnant, with fans young and
old singing along to each song. 2^nd
single Graffiti ups the tempo for the second half of the set and leads to
Smith scissor kicking across the stage, such is his excitement. Nothing can quite beat, however, the feeling
when debut single Apply Some Pressure is played. More of this please - we’ll watch how Maximo
grow with interest.