The Maccabees, Village Underground - review - Music - Arts

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Playing songs old and new, the five-piece were an intriguing mixture of beer-swigging laddishness and self-conscious awkwardness. But what brilliantly named frontman Orlando Weeks lacked in between-song banter, he more than made up for as a singer of great range and versatility.

Newer tracks pointed at a more prog-rock direction, showcasing the chops of guitarist and rabble-rouser Felix White, though it was the old favourites that sent fists and pints skyward.

One Hand Holding and Precious Time demonstrated the band's knack with an irresistible chorus, while Can You Give It? was bellowed out with brutal force - much to the delight of the pogo-ing punters.

Beneath the forthright backing, however, these are essentially love songs - and none was more uplifting than Love You Better. As the crowd sang along to its big-hearted refrain, there was a feeling that 2012 just might be The Maccabees' year. About time, too.

The Maccabees
Village Underground
Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ