I’ve only seen MAQUINA live once prior to the show last night, and what I took from their show in Todmorden was heightened at their show in Glossop. If I could sum up exactly what it is about this band that I love, I’d struggle because nothing can cover it. I’d simply urge you to take any opportunity you have to see them and just let yourself get lost in their music.

The energy. My god the energy they have is insane. By the end of the first song, the three of them are sweating like they’ve ran a marathon (drumming whilst singing is way more impressive than running, and I will never change my mind on that.) And I think all of us in the crowd were equally sweaty. There is something really special about seeing a band that are right on the edge of taking over the world play to about 40 people. You know you’re witnessing something truly remarkable, and hopefully everyone else will catch on soon.

Every song is played like it’s their last ever show, like it’s the end of the world. It’s such a powerful thing to watch. Seeing songs like Body Control (this is a beast live, and it will blow your mind) and pressure/pleasure are incredible. Their set lasts about an hour or so, and you feel like you’ve been hypnotised right from the start. There is no other band around like this, and their sound is unlike anything else around. It’s loud, it’ll make you want to dance and you’ll feel like you’re in the safest place on earth at their show. You just become instantly hooked, and nothing around you that’s going on in your world will even touch you. It doesn’t matter. For that hour, you feel like it’s just you and the band.

My love for MAQUINA goes beyond any words and honestly, any words I write down could never express how wonderful they are. Everything about this band is just electric and the way they are on stage with each other is a joy to watch. From Halison climbing on his drum kit, João moving on the stage like he’s stalking his prey (then going into the crowd) and José playing bass unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen (if he doesn’t make you want to pick up a bass, I don’t know who will!) They also throw looks at each other that makes you understand that they are more than a band- they are brothers and absolutely adore each other. That’s what makes them such a special band and unlike anything else you’ll ever experience. They play like they are escaping into another world when they are on stage, and you are being carried far away with them. When a band can do something as powerful as this, you know you have found something really special.

I’m no dancer but MAQUINA will make you want to move, and you will move. If I can feel like I need to dance, then I know I’ve found something really special. I love that they make you feel like you are on another planet and they are the rulers of this planet. And really if this was to happen, I’d be happy and the world would probably be a better place. Their sound is so freeing and their live shows are just a heightened version of the recorded version. The passion and energy they have will leave you inspired and changed. Bands like this are why I love music and write about music.

At then end of the show, I spoke to Halison and he very kindly said the words I have written about them make them all happy but honestly, their music just makes me happy. I play them when I go to the gym after work, and I’m pretty sure their sound has made me stronger in all ways. I’ve seen MAQUINA play 2 venues that hold between 50-80 people combined, and I know how lucky I am to have seen this because it will only be a matter of time before they play bigger venues that can contain their euphoric sound. They deserve the world, and the world needs to pay attention to this band. There is something so magical about them and their live shows are a real out of this world experience.

Every single song is played as if it’s their last and with this urgency that just leaves you in awe. The sheer heaviness in their sound and the way they make you want to move in the most carefree way possible is just addictive. I don’t think The Globe knew what was going to hit it last night but my god what a venue to see them in.

Is the world ready for a band like MAQUINA? I hope so because they have a sound that cannot be contained and it simply, must be heard by all.