Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot

Whilst making it very clear that he’s not leaving Maximo Park (‘I’m not going solo – it’s not like George Michael leaving Wham’), front man Paul Smith has been in the studio with friend Andy Hodson on drums and Field Music’s David Brewis on bass to record his solo debut ‘Margins’. It’s not unusual for a band’s front man to branch out on his own but it’s also not unusual for that solo effort to sound almost the same as the band from whence they came, i.e. Brandon Flowers, after all it’s their vocals, normally their lyrics and often their creative vision that shapes a band’s sound. So has Paul Smith recorded the new Maximo Park album or does ‘Margins’ stand out as something very separate, and most importantly is any good?

Well the distinct northern accent is obviously still there but gone are the angular guitars and the post punk influence on the music. Instead we find Smith in a more personal, reflective and mature mood. Musically the songs are softer and more intricate with Smith employing a finger picking style that suits the more personal nature of the songs perfectly. Lyrically Smith’s at his strongest when he focuses on the minutiae of modern life and relationships; ‘washing up with cold water while you’re in the bath/resisting the temptation to look through the crack in the bathroom door/though I’ve seen it before’ – ‘While You’re in the Bath’. Of the thirteen songs here my favourites are ‘Strange Fiction’, ‘This Heat’ and ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ though there’s nothing I don’t like. A sufficient departure from Maximo Park, Paul Smith has produced a strong album in ‘Margins’, now back to your day job please! 4/5

Mark Cousens

Out 11th October on Billingham Records

Buy ‘Margins’ from hmv

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