I Heart Maccabees

The Maccabees + Josh Weller, Leeds Cockpit, 25/04/08

Another Leeds gig, another vocally proud Yorkshire crowd, this time belting out Maccabee-related terrace anthems, quickly turning to jeers when an allegiance to Fulham was outed. It’s what you go to shows for, really. And the band well work off that endless enthusiasm.

Opening act Josh Weller looked petrified – mainly due to his wiry afro pointing straight to the ceiling. All Young-Knives tweed worn scandalously tight (a cry of “get your cock out” is met with nervous laughter and the response “I wouldn’t want to disappoint you”) Weller provided a suitable set of abstract indie pop. Circus sounded like, well, the circus, strutting along with a fairground bass line. His “stolen band” (all looking like they come from three very different groups) worked well off the troubadour, with the keyboard player manically brandishing a percussive pineapple for most of the set.

For me, Colour It In was one of the little miracles of last year. Heartbreaking vocals delivered with child-like simplicity, it was naive without being irritating, unsure but not unknowing. Live, there can only be more bounce to the proceedings. Newie You’ll Do As Your Told (the first signs of attitude) went straight into X Ray and Lego. Key to an indie anthem – guitar line you can sing along to. Balls to the lyrics, the melody has to stick in your head. And they’ve got a load of them.

The new material was no massive departure, but it sat alongside and complemented the older tracks with ease. Toothpaste Kisses got arms around shoulders. Latchmere closed the main set, and the already up-for-it audience lost the last of their inhibitions. The gig went way too quickly. Back they came back on for some humble thank-yous, a breezy new song that would be a good closer to the sophomore album, and a perfect version of First Love to see off the night. Everything made sense, there was a clarity in the air that refused to be dampened by overpriced vodka-based drinks.

Kebab Watch – the first time I’ve had a Donner on a plate, and eaten it with proper cutlery. At 3am. In a curry house. Decent mayonnaise, unnecessary salad.