Photo Photo credit: Moja
WORDS DESH KAPUR
Maximo Park
“Stream of Life”
Release Date: September 27th via Lower Third Records
Maximo Park’s Stream of Life, their eighth studio album, sees the band continuing their intelligent brand of indie pop, once again teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Ben Allen (known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Animal Collective). Having collaborated on the band’s 2021 release Nature Always Wins, Allen’s influence can still be felt, enhancing the album’s refreshing balance between energy and introspection.
Paul Smith, the band’s ever-brilliant lyricist, draws the album’s title from a short story by Ukrainian-born Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector. True to Lispector’s introspective themes, Smith’s lyrics offer massive commentary on life’s consistencies, weaving together sharp observations on everyday existence with poetic storytelling. His voice, as always, is a focal point of the band’s sound—at times powerful and driving, at others, stripped-back and folky, allowing vulnerability to shine through.
Musically, Stream of Life is both vibrant and energetic. It’s a tight concoction of power pop and post-punk, with flashes of influence from bands like Cars and R.E.M.—both mentioned in the album’s press release. The album showcases the band’s distinctive guitar sound while blending in new textures and moments of playful vocal interplay.
Standout tracks include the opener “Your Own Worst Enemy,” which kicks things off with a punch of melodic energy. The lead single “Favourite” is another highlight, demonstrating Maximo Park’s signature catchy hooks. “Dormant ’til Explosion” stands out thanks to its driving bass and a guest vocal appearance from Vanessa Briscoe Hay (of Pylon), whose interplay with Smith adds a playful edge to the track.
Overall, Stream of Life is a fresh and insightful release. The music crackles with energy, but there are moments where it pulls back just enough to let its more folky, introspective side breathe. For fans of Maximo Park, this album will feel both familiar and new—a refreshing continuation of the band’s evolution.
8/10
TRACK LISTING
1. Your Own Worst Enemy
2. Favourite Songs
3. Dormant ‘Til Explosion (Feat. Vanessa Briscoe Hay)
4. The End Can Be As Good As The Start
5. Armchair View
6. Quiz Show Clue
7. Stream Of Life
8. Doppelgänger Eyes
9. I Knew That You’d Say That
10. The Path I Chose
11. No Such Thing As A Society
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
