The pebbled beach of The Maccabees’ former adopted home delivered the perfect setting for a day celebrating some of Britain's finest alternative artists, as the five-piece returned to headline. Nearly a decade after calling it a day at the peak of their commercial success, the south Londoners returned to a hero's welcome that felt both nostalgic and remarkably current.
It was a fitting milestone for a band whose journey began in intimate venues just up the road at the likes of Komedia and The Prince Albert. before culminating in this spectacular headline performance. Unlike a lot of splits of bands that initially emerged in the mid noughties, The Maccabees’ breaking up in 2016 came as a genuine surprise, with few groups walking away while enjoying such critical acclaim. Judging by the thousands gathered on the beach, that decision has done little to diminish the affection for one of Britain's defining alt-indie bands of the 21st century.
Following a supporting bill of Ash, Lime Garden, Badly Drawn Boy and Anna Calvi; Miles Kane and Editors both proved ideal choices to bridge the gap to the headline act. Kane's swaggering confidence and catalogue of sharp anthems instantly lifted the atmosphere, while Editors' expansive, atmospheric sound transformed the beach into a sea of raised hands as the sun began to set over the English Channel. Interestingly, both artists have gracefully avoided becoming casualties of the so-called ‘indie landfill’ era they once hovered around, instead evolving their sound and cultivating loyal audiences that have matured alongside them. Their sets felt less like nostalgia and more like celebrations of enduring careers.
When The Maccabees finally emerged, any concerns about rust were immediately swept aside. From the opening moments it was clear this was no sentimental reunion going through the motions. Orlando Weeks' unmistakable vocals retained all their warmth and vulnerability, while the band sounded as tight as ever. Early favourites from Colour It In blended seamlessly with material from Wall of Arms, proving just how timeless those songs have become. Tracks that once soundtracked indie clubs now carried even greater emotional weight in front of a crowd spanning a multitude of ages.
Equally impressive was how naturally songs from the more ambitious Marks to Prove It and the art rock and neo-psych flourishes of Given to the Wild sat alongside the earlier material. Rather than feeling like greatest hits set, it showcased a catalogue that consistently evolved without losing its identity. Meanwhile, the sole new track on show, Ballad of So Long, received an overwhelmingly positive reception, suggesting the band still have plenty of creative ideas to explore. Its sweeping arrangement and reflective lyricism hinted at an exciting direction should a new album eventually materialise, offering hope that this reunion of a few festivals and gigs could become something more substantial.
There is still no official confirmation that The Maccabees are back together for good, and perhaps that uncertainty only adds to the occasion's significance. What Brighton proved beyond doubt, however, is that there remains a huge appetite for the band across multiple generations. More importantly, the songs themselves haven't aged a day. They sound every bit as fresh and emotionally resonant now as they did when they first emerged in 2004, making this triumphant homecoming feel less like a reunion and more like the continuation of an unfinished story.
