Album Review: Maximo Park – Risk To Exist

After struggling with diminishing returns on their last two albums that, outside of their cracking singles, I didn’t enjoy as much as their core opening three, the Park are back on form with this surprisingly political sixth entry in their discography that appears to be the soundtrack to a general election they wouldn’t know was being called at the time of recording.

‘Risk to Exist’ boasts eleven core tracks that flow well from one another, starting with the funky swagger of ‘What Did We Do to You to Deserve This?’ with its catchy chorus-led question. It’s superseded by the anthemic second track and sophomore single ‘Get High (No, I Don't)’ that already feels like a confirmed entry in their eventual greatest hits, with its addictive base line, progressive bridge and live-friendly chorus.

‘What Equals Love’ ventures into the closest they ever get to pop with its bouncy, piano-enthused chorus and mathematical allegories. Lead single and titular track ‘Risk to Exist’ comes in at number four, it’s gun-like guitar riff, sing-along style and poppy chorus winning over before you have a chance to listen to the lyrics heavily focussed on the treatment of Syrian Migrants, all coming together to form a radio-friendly hit with a message.

‘I’ll Be Around’, with a hefty synth vibe, is another favourite of mine on the album and it’s hooky line of ‘with a government that’s out of touch’ stands out as a sly dig slotted into what seems to be a love song. ‘Work and Then Wait’ is another strong entry, once more with musical swagger and some well composed lyrics, alongside some top riffs fighting within.

‘The Hero’ switches up elements of electro-funk in the background and lifts up the political lyrics a little more, the chorus being surprisingly catchy in its indie vibe. Musically ‘The Reason I Am Here’ really works but it’s the lyrics that once more grab you, and though ‘Make What You Can’ and ‘Respond to the Feeling’ are good but don’t feel quite as great the album redeems itself with a gentle and noteworthy closer in the form of ‘Alchemy’ with a joy of a chorus.

For fans who slap some extra cash for the bonus disc get some nice extras. The opening bonus tracks ‘My Sharp Tongue’ and the electronic ‘A Brief Dream’ are more interesting curiosities but the throbbing ‘All Been Done Before’ feels like an unfair casualty of the main LP. The rest of the extras are made up of acoustic or stripped back versions of four of the best tracks on the album which are well worth hearing.

Maximo Park may not quite have surpassed their incredible second release with ‘Risk to Exist’ but it’s certainly an album on the upturn from the last two, with plenty to enjoy and some really stand-out songs. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #39

It's time for ten more tracks that you need to hear!

Blink 182 - Misery

Lacking the light-hearted humour of their earlier releases this is still a fun pop-rock number with their recognisable vocal trickery and crisp backing. (6.5/10)

James Blunt - Bartender

Much less irritating as his previous single was in parts, though overall it was a good 'un, this is much better: a catchy sing-a-long night-out tune. Fun! (7/10)

Jon Bellion - All Time Low

The verses are quiet slow but the vocal effects of the chorus make up for it, making for some good light and shade in its style. Stormzy doesn't add much to the record, but does give it more variety. (7/10)

Kasabian - You're In Love With a Psycho

It might sound pretty much like Eez-eh party 2 and the lyrics and video are probably not that PC, but it's a quirky, hook-filled indie-rock number with a chorus that's likely to get picked up as a sing-a-long highlight this summer. (7/10)

LunchMoney Lewis feat. Ty Dolla $ign - H.O.E (Heaven On Earth)

LunchMoney Lewis may be embracing the cliches he shot down on 'Bills' and Ty is in need of plenty of autotune in here, but this is actually a sweet little love song with a little bit more bite. (6.5/10)


Maximo Park - Get High (No, I Don't)

The second single from the band's upcoming sixth album, this is a little bit of a departure for the band with a poppier outlook and a throbbing bassline but one that's a bit more casual than their usual fare. (6.5/10)

Sheryl Crow - Long Way Back 

Sheryl is back with those jaunty and bouncy little pop number that might not be as huge sonically as her big hits but is still a fun listen. (6.5/10)

The Shimmer Band - Jacknife And The Death Call

Not as loud as you'd imagine from the song title this is a neat indie-rock number that, though not doing anything big, plays out well. (6.5/10)

Ten Millennia - Turn Me On

Though the chorus is pretty simple there's something poppy in its funkiness, as highlighted by its trumpet solo. (6.5/10)

Thieves Like Us - Moon

Another track I was expecting to sound heavier from the band name, this is actually quite a cool, chilled-out number with a subtle yet enjoyable rhythm at its heart. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #23

Here are our latest ten recommended tracks!

Amy Macdonald - Dream On

It's been a long time since we've heard from Amy Macdonald but this is a very welcome return. Bouncy, poppy and very singable this is a great comeback track and now one of her best. (8/10)


Biffy Clyro - Flammable

Biffy Clyro's recent singles haven't been their best but this feels more like a return to form. It doesn't have the huge chorus that we expect from them but it's good for a quick spin. (6/10)

Bon Jovi - Born Again Tomorrow

'Born Again Tomorrow' is another one of those uplifting little numbers that Bon Jovi occasionally whip out, and if you can overcome the cliched vibe and lyrics it's actually pretty fun. (6.5/10)

British Sea Power - Bad Bohemian

Stripped back and so indie it hurts, the latest from 'British Sea Party' never really steps up above a one-level tune, but it's chorus is pretty catchy and it's one of their best recently. (6/10)

Hayley McKay - Unspoken

'Unspoken' is a beautifully sung track with verses and a chorus that both compliment each other, with plenty of heart injected into the lyrics. Beautiful. (8/10)

Jesse & Joy - Helpless

Their last single 'More than Amigos' was an absolute joy and whilst this doesn't stand up to that song (it was a real corker) this is still a great follow up, delivering a smoother more heart-felt ballad with a bigger country sound and a touching chorus. (7.5/10)

Maximo Park - Risk To Exist 

Even speaking as a big of the Park, it's difficult not to feel that there's been a law of diminishing returns on their albums and though 'Risk To Exist' is in the band's mold and a strong enough listen it's still pretty average compared to their heights. (5.5/10)

St. Paul & The Broken Bones - All I Ever Wonder

'All I Ever Wonder' takes a little bit to get going but when it hits the chanty, layered vocals of the chorus then the heart of this gospel-tinged number shows itself. Nice. (7/10)

Tom Walker - Play Dead

With his husky voice, 'Play Dead' is the breakthrough single from Tom Walker and it's a great little showcase of what is to come. (6.5/10)

Una Healy feat. Sam Palladio - Stay My Love

Here at KBPS we have a soft spot for country, and this ballad is a beautiful example of the genre when the lyrics and vocals are spot on. Beautiful. (7.5/10)