The beginning of 2014 marks a flurry of activity from Maxïmo Park. Following news of their forthcoming album 'Too Much Information' on February 3rd, an accompanying full UK tour and the recently-aired 'Brain Cells' track, the band have confirmed the release of the single 'Leave This Island' on January 27th 2014.
The track is taken from a remarkable collection of songs that pulse with life and intent, and reveal a band that can still startle and provoke without having lost any of their restless energy. The single itself surges into view with a drumbeat and a ripple of synths framing Paul Smith's vocal before culminating in a sweep of uplifting emotion: a band at the top of their game.
The film short accompanying the music uses the song as a soundtrack. The band have worked with video artist Matt Stokes to produce a short film featuring a real life 'urban hermit' living in the outer reaches of East London. The man lives in his detached reality, surrounded by domestic clutter, his actions depicting a blissful life less ordinary - a final, poignant game of chess outlines his isolated existence. Weird and uncompromising, this is no ordinary promo video.
Watch the video for 'Leave This Island' below.
Recorded in Sunderland with the band's keyboardist Lukas Wooller and Field Music's Brewis brothers – David and Peter, at the helm, 'Leave This Island' will be available on 12" vinyl and digitally, complete with exclusive B-side 'A Vague Implication', a remix of 'Leave This Island' courtesy of Mogwai and a mix of 'Brain Cells' from the hand of Dave Okumu. Available from all reputable outlets through Daylighting Records.
Meanwhile the band head to a town near you throughout March with shows as follows:
March
6th Portsmouth Pyramids
7th Bristol 02 Academy
8th Glasgow Academy
10th Liverpool 02 Academy
11th Nottingham Rock City
13th Leeds 02 Academy
14th Birmingham Institute
15th Manchester Academy
17th Norwich UEA
19th Oxford O2 Academy
20th London Forum
21st Newcastle O2 Academy
22nd Newcastle O2 Academy
Maximo Park are: Tom English – drums, Duncan Lloyd – guitar, Paul Smith – vocals, Archis Tiku – bass and Lukas Wooller - keyboards.