Staff Reviews

Paul Smith - Margins

Review by David Edwards

It is laudable for Paul Smith to try and eschew the eccentric frontman label in favour of something more cerebral. But in attempting to reach for the moon, he ends up merely stalled and snagged, dangling awkwardly from an unwieldy scaffold of clumsy platitude and hollow couplets.»

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everyone knows what to expect from maximo park - huge, soaring choruses, breakneck anthems and lyrics that are like universal rallying calls. however, singer paul smith's first album under his own name couldn't be more different. although some maximo trademarks remain - hooks big enough to hang a coat on, and a way with words - 'margins' is an album of astonishing intimacy, a much quieter, more personal offering of melancholy, insight and intimate modern blues. inspired by university days influences will oldham, smog and cat power, 'margins' reflects a side of paul smith that we don't normally get to see. the album is released via paul smith's own label billingham records.
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