From the beginning, I had the impression that Maximo Park are the most exciting representatives of the so-called "Brit Pop Part 2" wave. For a more varied and complex than the mood cannons of Kaiser Chiefs and other catchy and groovy as Bloc Party. For me it was therefore no different from most: What can we expect from the second album? Will give us the band again with the qualities of the debut but bless simultaneously perform the much needed musical development? A clear answer: The great expectations and hopes zagen be met! No, more even surpassed! Maximo Park sound on "Our Earthly Pleasures" a little rounder and more mature (Do not worry, here no red wine is being tested, but in fact a rock record). The songs are not as snotty punk and uncouth in their entirety, but bursting with still just so full of vitality and energy. Despite calmer phases never lost coming hardness documented whenever the northern Englishmen move unexpectedly crashing (almost from scratch) guitar walls. Of course, some songs this time stand out. "Girls who play guitars" and the first single "Our Velocity" convincing straighte guitars and so typical retro Wubber organ. The sentimental midtempo number "Books from Boxes" recalls indeed something to the Smiths - and the harm not. "Karaoke Plays" developed a rousing chorus. In "Your Urge" becomes most evident that the band is not afraid of new ways. The song is a heavenly beautiful ballad that increases in emotional tension and increases (Paul Smith`s singing in top form). The incessant accompanying piano like a here perhaps somewhat reminiscent of Coldplay's "Clocks". Anyway, this song is certainly a highlight of the album. The Fleet "By the Monument" would certainly fit well dazzling on "A Certain Trigger". Those who are convinced after the first 10 songs of a successful second album plant, where it is speechless at the two final songs. "Sandblasted and set free" plugged so full of passion that you simply can not get enough of the voluptuous chorus. What the band then does with the listener at the closing piece "Parisian Skies", borders on pure overwork. The whole plate convinced from song to song, but right at the end put the boys with this Closer still the crown on it. "Parisian Skies" is a single masterpiece that combines all the strengths and talents of the band in itself. Power, desire, energy, feeling and touching lyrics. Wonderfully typical and so ingenious tempo changes are weaved. Who is after the final words "I love the tiny veins on your back, They remind me of the way did porcelain cracks" in their right mind, which is only one thing: The quick grip to repeat button :-) Wunderbar!
