When The National Health came out in 2012, Maximo Park were three albums deep and looking to re-establish their place in the indie landscape. It’s a record that feels more direct and urgent than its predecessor, showing a band that had honed their craft but hadn’t lost their ability to write a sharp, punchy pop song. It’s a bit more political and grounded than their earlier work, but it never loses its sense of fun.

The sound is classic Maximo Park – angular guitars, propulsive drums, and Paul Smith’s distinctive, North East delivery. It feels very “live”, with a punchy production that highlights the interplay between the instruments. There’s a certain kinetic energy to it that makes it feel like it’s constantly moving forward. It’s smart, literate indie-rock that doesn’t mind getting its hands dirty with a big chorus.

The title track “The national health” is a fantastic, high-energy opener that hits the ground running. “Hips and lips” brings in a bit of a synth-driven groove that is incredibly catchy, while “Write this down” shows off their knack for building tension and releasing it at just the right moment. It’s a very consistent record that doesn’t really have any “skip” moments.

It’s worth revisiting The National Health because it’s an album that feels very “of its time” yet holds up surprisingly well. It’s a record about trying to find your way in a world that feels a bit broken, and that’s a sentiment that always resonates. It’s energetic, thoughtful, and packed with hooks – a great example of a band maturing while staying true to their roots.