It's rare to stumble upon a record that captivates you from the first note to the very last. So often, expectations are raised by a couple of killer tracks only to discover the rest of the album is sub-standard filler. Maupa’s six-strong crew from Accrington (famous for the milk ad and a defunct football team) reject such shortcuts, having come up with one of the best debut albums of 2004.
Led by elfin singer David Boon, Maupa (polish for monkey), like all the best bands, are making their way through a growing word-of-mouth buzz. From a huge local following in Manchester to winning an online ‘Best New Band In Europe’ contest, where over 800,000 users voted for them, it’s easy to see why. "The Minor Highs And The Major Lows" takes you on a journey you never want to end. From the hypnotic opening guitar riff of "Wish" to the psychedelic, schizophrenic mash-up of "Nobody Told Me" there are 51-minutes of intoxicating music; bleak, beautiful and as haunting as the Lancastrian moors that border their hometown.
Recent single "Helpless" is a beautifully constructed pop song; the perfect showcase for Boon’s bold androgynous vocals, recalling the majestic sweep of The Verve’s "On Your Own". Throughout, it's easy to overlook the fact that this is just a debut, such is the tight musicianship and professionalism on display.
When on "Wish", Boon declares “nobody’s listening anyway”, you're tempted to think a wry self-confidence is shining through. "Bag Song", meanwhile, typifies their attention to detail, guitars (and there are three of them) wing melodiously, building tension before exploding into a cacophony of splenetic white noise. "Railroad", a harmonica-led anthem, with country sensibilities and hymnal backing vocals swells to a triumphant climax, but within their focussed melodic world Maupa aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and rock out.
With inoffensive parent-friendly rock still holding sway in the charts, there’s never been a better time for Maupa’s haunting, emotive space rock to buck the trend and reach out to the masses.
by Chris Nye Browne