Maxïmo Park, the Newcastle art-rock band, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, 'A Certain Trigger.' This milestone includes a special edition release and a UK tour planned for February 2026. Frontman Paul Smith recently shared insights into the album's creation, its impact, and the band's journey over two decades.
Key Takeaways
- Maxïmo Park's debut album, 'A Certain Trigger,' celebrates its 20th anniversary.
- A special edition of the album has been released, featuring B-sides and demo tracks.
- The band will embark on a 12-date UK tour in February 2026 with Art Brut.
- Paul Smith reflects on the band's early career, 'indie sleaze,' and regional representation.
Looking Back at 'A Certain Trigger'
Released in May 2005, 'A Certain Trigger' quickly became a significant album in the alternative indie scene. It propelled Maxïmo Park into the Top 20 charts. The album captured a specific mood, blending tales of romantic disappointment with vivid descriptions of regional landscapes. Paul Smith, known for his distinctive lyrical style, emerged as a notable figure in English literary rock.
The 20th-anniversary edition of the album, released on October 31, offers fans an extensive collection. It includes the original tracks, B-sides, early demo versions, radio session recordings, and alternative edits. This comprehensive package provides a deeper look into the album's development and the band's creative process during that era.
Album Milestones
- Original Release Date: May 2005
- Chart Position: Top 20 UK Album Chart
- Mercury Prize: Nominated
- Anniversary Edition: Released October 31, 2025
The Upcoming Anniversary Tour
To mark this special occasion, Maxïmo Park will perform 'A Certain Trigger' across the UK. The tour, scheduled for February 2026, will feature 12 dates. They will be joined by Art Brut, another band known for their unique sound from the 2000s indie scene. Paul Smith commented on the tour, stating, "When we play next year, we’ll end up playing pretty much all of the record every night, although not in order. You want to do it backwards really, that’s what I always say."
Smith expressed confidence in the album's enduring appeal. He believes that most of the songs have aged well. The band aims to deliver energetic performances, bringing the classic tracks to life for both long-time fans and new listeners.
"I don’t want to sound big headed, but I think most of the songs have held up." — Paul Smith
Early Success and 'Outsider' Status
Maxïmo Park's rise to prominence was unique. Smith recalled initial doubts about their mainstream appeal. Songs like 'Apply Some Pressure' and 'Graffiti' had an abrasive quality that was not typical for radio play. Despite this, the band gained significant airtime on national radio, reaching a broad audience.
Smith emphasized their identity as outsiders. "We were outside the circle; we didn’t come from London where bands play in bars every night with music industry people there. We were doing things in a different way." This regional origin and distinct approach helped shape their sound and image.
The Mid-2000s Indie Scene
The mid-2000s saw a vibrant period for alternative indie music in the UK. Bands like Franz Ferdinand and The Futureheads emerged, creating a fertile ground for new sounds. Maxïmo Park signed their record deal on the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle, a moment Smith remembers as filled with excitement and ambition.
Touring with Arctic Monkeys and 'Indie Sleaze'
A notable period for Maxïmo Park was headlining the NME Awards Tour in 2006. They topped the bill over Arctic Monkeys, who were then on the cusp of releasing their debut album. Smith described Arctic Monkeys as "very shy" at the time, navigating their rapid ascent.
Smith addressed attempts to "rewrite history" regarding that tour, asserting the quality of Maxïmo Park's performances. He recalled a specific instance: "Somebody came up to me one time and said, ‘Oh, people walked out when you played’, but I was on stage and they didn’t. We filmed the last one at Brixton Academy and looking back, I was like, ‘Wow, we were on fire’. "
The era has been retrospectively labeled 'indie sleaze.' Smith acknowledged that some elements of the term, such as dealing with desire, resonated with certain themes in their music. However, he distanced Maxïmo Park from the broader 'indie sleaze' label, viewing much of it as "pretty daft." He also highlighted the band's diverse musical influences, including Wu-Tang Clan, which set them apart from many contemporaries.
Regional Identity and Future Plans
Smith also discussed the importance of regional representation in music. He noted how his Newcastle accent was once seen as a novelty. Now, with artists like Sam Fender achieving national recognition and Mercury Prize wins from the region, the landscape has changed. Smith believes more cultural events and opportunities should exist outside of London.
Looking ahead, Maxïmo Park has a busy schedule. Following the UK tour, they will embark on a European tour in March and an Australian tour in April. Festivals are also expected to be added to their calendar. Smith also expressed a desire to work on a solo record. Crucially, he hopes Maxïmo Park will record their ninth album. "Some days I feel like I’ve said all I need to say, and then a song will come along and all of a sudden you’re like, ‘Ah I was wrong!’ If you lose that, then you need to stop making records."
The 20th anniversary edition of 'A Certain Trigger' is available now. Maxïmo Park's UK tour with Art Brut is set to begin in February 2026, with tickets and further information available online.