Maxïmo Park, from Newcastle (UK), is still led by charismatic singer Paul Smith. In 2001 he turned to a quartet consisting of guitarist Duncan Lloyd, bassist Archis Tiku, drummer Tom English and ...

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Maxïmo Park, from Newcastle (UK), is still led by charismatic singer Paul Smith. In 2001 he turned to a quartet consisting of guitarist Duncan Lloyd, bassist Archis Tiku, drummer Tom English and keyboard player Lukas Wooller. You could call the fact that they were signed by (electronica-label) Warp in 2005 remarkable, to say the least. ‘A Certain Trigger’ was meanwhile nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Produced by Paul Epworth (Babyshambles, Bloc Party), the album surfed along on the whole post-punk revival that dominated the English scene at the time. The influence of The Smiths was never far removed either. In 2007 Maxïmo Park took a considerable turn with ‘Our Earthly Pleasures’, that happened under the influence of Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies) who proved that the band wasn't just getting by with one formula. Live, Maxïmo Park attracts a crowd and are then also at their best. We found that out for ourselves during their first Belgian visit (in the AB in 2005) and also at Rock Werchter in 2007. Their new opus ‘Quicken The Heart’ will be out soon (again via Warp), recorded in LA and produced by Nick Launay - which resulted in a groovier sound. Be sure to be present on Saturday 17 October for Maxïmo Park in the AB.

Support act will be Pete & The Pirates. Britain's NME described them as "perfect pop without the pretence" and the influential Pitchfork gave their debut 'Little Death' 8 out of 10. In conclusion, The Guardian wrote of it in a ***-review: "this eclecticism does make 'Little Death' feel like the work of several different bands. No matter. There is imagination to spare here, as well as the occasional winning lyric.". It has been noted.