Discography

'Run,Run,Sleep'

Released 13th October 2008

Reviews for 'Run, Run, Sleep'

Like fellow Lancashire men The Verve and Elbow before them, Maupa make a joyously beautiful noise that belies their bleak mill town surroundings. This Accrington six-piece only really have one setting - "epically magnificent" - and it makes an utterly mesmeric listen. While the stratospheric guitars of "once in a while" and "Toy Trains" may occasionally lean towards prog, their chiming folk-flecked songs are never laboured, thanks to singer David Boon's extraordinary, breathy timbre. For far too long, these everyblokes have been one of the northwest's best kept secrets. And whether or not "Run Run Sleep" sees Maupa finally set off down Guy Garvey's mob's path to recognition, it's still a total gem." 8/10 NME

Maupa have managed to make a majestic indie record that demands to be heard. It's a bold and ambitious whilst remaining vital and accessible. If I am honest it's not a record I thought I would like. The fact that I love it, is simply testament to how good Maupa are. INDIE MP3

It’s hard to pin them down to a particular style when they’re clearly unafraid to mix it up, and it works because there isn’t a poor track on the album…It’s a record whose attraction grows exponentially on each play; though it’s their second release it’s my first encounter with them and I’m hoping it won’t be the last. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. SOUNDS XP

While their more evocative instincts are given full rein throughout, they still find the time to deliver plenty of nice melodic moments, in an impressive range of styles. There’s the cheerful jazzy shuffle of ‘Toy Trains’, a song that lends itself well to whistling, or the catchy rock-tinged tune that opens ‘Stay Up Late’. Elsewhere the mood is more reflective, such as on closing track ‘Everything We Have’, but the band still manage to produce the kind of melody that lodges itself inside your head without you wishing it away. THE MUSIC MAGAZINE

'The Minor Highs and The Major Lows'
Released on September 27 2004.

'Beautiful, haunting and instantly striking. That's how to describe Maupa's wonderful debut. Walls of guitar end where space noises begin. Ethereal eruptions of sound spill on top of dreamy finger picking. Simple feelings of being are being elevated to a state of heroism by the band's clever lyrics. It's all pretty irresistible. And, with its unearthly completeness and intoxicating vocal, it sounds like Mercury Rev fronted by heaven's spirits. Quite good then.' THE FLY 4.5/5 Stars

'From a huge local following in Manchester to winning an online 'Best New Band in Europe' contest, where over 800,000 users voted for them, it's easy to see why. 'The Minor Highs and The Major Lows' takes you on a journey you never want to end. From the hypnotic opening guitar riff of 'WISH' to the psychedelic, schizophrenic mash-up of 'NOBODY TOLD ME', there are 51 minutes of intoxicating music...one of the best debut albums of 2004.' 9/10 YAHOO.LAUNCH

This six-strong crew from Accrington made a splash in 2004 by winning our online contest to find the best new band in Britain. They duly delivered with this 51-minute masterpiece, taking the folk elements of Led Zeppelin and the soar away psychedelic rock of The Verve. There are no ups or downs, simply one beautiful whole, making it one of the best debuts of the year. WANADOO MUSIC

'it swells and rumbles along with a haunting beauty that tips a hat to Zeppelin at their most folky, Mercury Rev, Cowboy Junkies and other powerful leftfield vibes.' THE INDEPENDENT

'Judging by this bravado display of talent and delightfully dulcet album...all I can say is more please!' MUSIC.OMH

'A minor high? No, quite palpably a major high. Let's welcome back the BIG music.' BBC ONLINE

'the lattice work on these intricately stitched songs is immaculate...startling beauty is here.' PLANET OF SOUND 8/10

'their debut album 'The Minor Highs and The Major Lows' is simply superlative'. UNBARRED MAGAZINE

'As an indie record this album is difficult to fault. 11 tracks of finely tuned music that sits neatly on the stereo.' HIGH VOLTAGE

‘Helpless’

Debut single, ‘Helpless’ released on 9th February 2004, backed with an acoustic version of Sour Fruit and Bag Song

"They have their own sumptuous sound that sends a shiver down your spine. Brilliant." CITY LIFE.

"They produce some of the most beautiful haunting sounds you are ever likely to hear." THE FLY

"listening to them is like watching the girl of your dreams slowly undressing through the wrong end of a kaleidoscope. Helpless? One listen to this and you will be. " 4/5 Stars. LOGO MAGAZINEe

"this is one of the best debut singles released in a long time." MusicOMH.com

“one step away from genius.” NME