The Chalets
The only thing that I heard about this band were that they were the “new Thrills” and what a surprise when they came on as they are the “new Irish Aberfeldy”. The group consists of a mixture of girls and boys and yes, the girls has pretty dresses on with flowers in their hair!

Their glockenspiel laden first few songs have more bite than Aberfeldy, but the cute vocals were abound. As usual the venue was heaving, although it only takes a handful of people for the Buffalo Bar to feel full. I had trouble seeing and kept standing on the sofa at the back to see before being told to get down. The crowd seemed to really enjoy this kitsch band. By the last two songs I was really into it, the songs were strong and felt like they could be the “new B52’s”. Quality and cool.

Maximo Park
All suited and booted, Maximo Park take to the stage and the gig kicks off. These guys are supposed to be the “new Futureheads” (I sense a theme running through the evening) Could this be that they sound like them or is it because they too hail from Sunderland? At the beginning I think it is because of geography. The play their new single 3 songs in, which is the highlight of their set. They were extremely polite and chatty, telling the crowd about their tour of the UK. They even try a bit of prog rock but it leaves a lot to be desired. Their songs do become more like the Futureheads by the end of set, so maybe their label is justified but I bet they couldn’t cover a Kate Bush song as well. Overall they were offering nothing new and their songs are forgotten by the time I get to the tube station.

Review by Sonia Pagliari

www.maximopark.co.uk
www.thechalets.com