When first listening to the new Maccabees album, “Given to the Wild,” it definitely sounded like something you would hear playing through a Michael Cera movie. The new, softer Indie style they have adopted is a break from their normal “art rock” style. Not soft as in it will put you to sleep at night, but a much lighter and more melodic arrangement in their songs.
This new style on “Given to the Wild,”  released on January 24, is a very melodic indie, with strong instrumental influences, rather than their earlier poppy guitar and bass focused tunes. Even on their tracks where they brought back the old guitar sounds (such as on unknown) it’s a much harder, focused sound. I would recommend this album if you find yourself already drawn to groups such as The Young & Famous or Local Natives.
Compared to their prior albums “Wall of Arms” and “Colour it in,” they seem to have found a new edge. Both prior albums made them sound like a blend between The Cure & Vampire Weekend, but now The Maccabees have broken into their own, focusing less on the pop and more on the feel of the sound. The lyrics and flow of the songs have changed as well.They are more edgy, with a softer more vulnerable side.
If you find yourself in the UK or greater European area anytime soon, you can catch them in concert, but otherwise we’ll have to just enjoy this South London band and their albums from the comfort of our homes.