Review: MaxÏmo Park @ The Gov 26/04/26
UK indie outfit Maxïmo Park turned back the clock with an energetic set celebrating their debut album, A Certain Trigger.
Words Brad Pine // Images Michael Lockheart
Review: MaxÏmo Park w/Stormy-Lou @ The Gov 26/04/26
Twenty years after the release of their debut album A Certain Trigger, Maxïmo Park have been on an epic birthday bash around Australia. I remember purchasing the special edition of the album that had the B-side compilation Missing Songs, which I would always listen to after A Certain Trigger. So, this night was one of pure nostalgia for me, and no doubt many others in the crowd.
The line at the door may not have been abundant to begin with, but as the performance time approached, the beer garden and main floor of The Gov grew in numbers. Just in time for the support act Stormy-Lou. The five-piece from Adelaide have a knack for fun and catchy pop punk tunes that got the crowd warmed up. The vocals were shared between singer Mik and guitarist Alex, allowing for a wider range of repertoire. Alongside their own material, including their latest single ‘Watching & Waiting,’ the highlight was their cover of We The Kings’ ‘Check Yes Juliet’. They commanded the stage, which hopefully will get larger as their career goes on.
The stage lights changed to a red hue in the moments before Maxïmo Park arrived. The dress code for the band was primarily black until singer Paul Smith waltzed out repping a burnt red suit, accessorised with his famous black trilby hat. The set began with ‘Signal And Sign’ – the first track from their debut album. But it was ‘Graffiti’ and ‘Postcard Of A Painting’ that got the crowd’s energy to full power; Smith included as he leapt and high-kicked throughout the song. It was evident from the outset that this “birthday party” was not going to be a fizzer. Especially when ‘Our Velocity’ appeared so early in the night. Everyone was dancing along with Smith and the band. There was an awesome energy in the room.
Smith made time between tracks to talk to the crowd, engaging us in the history of twenty years with A Certain Trigger, yet lamenting that there are some tunes we have never seen live in Australia. Alongside this, Smith’s major strength at the front of Maxïmo Park was his exuberant energy – pointing to everyone in the audience; his strong, staccato movements mixed with fluid hip swaying. In addition to Smith’s infectious enjoyment, Jemma Freese was on the keys with her complementary dance moves.
“All our songs are connected by idiocy,” Smith said before launching into the B-side ‘A19’, followed by the single ‘Karaoke Plays’. More of the “idiocy” came in ‘Now I'm All Over the Shop’ before subduing with a mature take on that idea with ‘Favourite Songs.’
The structure of the set ebbed and flowed between a few tracks in succession, with Smith then delighting the crowd with tales connected to the songs. One patron yelled out for Maxïmo Park to play on a Saturday. Smith, quick on his feet, replied that “we have turned this Sunday into a Saturday,” which brought an immense cheer. He was not wrong as the party continued with ‘I Want You To Stay’ but softened with the ballad ‘Versions Of You.’
Primetime arrived in the night with ‘The National Health’ exploding from the stage before the band leaned into the classic ‘Girls Who Play Guitars’ – which included more jerky moves from Smith combined with enthusiastic dancing from Freese.
‘Kiss You Better’ kept the crowd singing along before turning it up a notch with ‘Limassol’. This was the moment the night really kicked into overdrive. Smith thanked all people involved in making the tour memorable, including the crew at The Gov (so utmost respect to Smith for acknowledging them). However, he mentioned the end of the set was nigh. The crowd was in much dismay. To alleviate the imminent departure, the band left us with arguably their biggest song, ‘Apply Some Pressure.’
“The rock n roll pantomime” that is the encore (as dubbed by Smith) arrived with Freese starting the synth intro to ‘Acrobat’ – possibly the most measured song of the night with the most passionate chorus sung out by the crowd: “I am not an acrobat / I cannot perform these tricks for you.” The request for ‘Books From Boxes’ was shouted toward the stage and played immediately, as if it were already to be triggered. The last song was ‘Going Missing,’ which we did not want Maxïmo Park to do. “ONE MORE TUNE! ONE MORE TUNE,” the crowd chanted. The band looked at each other, almost wanting to continue but knowing their time was up. They linked arms and took a bow together before Smith stood on stage alone, taking in what was an extremely adoring crowd. He seemed taken aback – in a good way. How could a city across the world be so engaged with their music? He was genuinely thankful, expressing his gratitude to us all before he left.
Maxïmo Park needs to return as soon as they can. After seeing how the crowd appreciated the band and their two decades of music, it makes sense to see Paul Smith and co again. Hopefully, a new album will arrive in the next few years, followed by a world tour. Or a twentieth birthday bash for Our Earthly Pleasures, perhaps?
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
