Maximo Park play 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'-inspired V Festival show

Maximo Park played an afternoon set at the Chelmsford leg of V Festival today (August 16) as the sun shone down on the first day of the bash.

The band, playing on the V Stage, played songs from both their albums to date, 2005's 'A Certain Trigger' and 2007's 'Our Earthly Pleasures', plus new material destined for their third LP.

Frontman Paul Smith, clad in his trademark suit and bowler hat, quickly made reference to the hot conditions.

"Ooh, hot, sweaty!" he laughed early in the set, before asking the crowd members to make cupped V signs with their hands. "If you watch 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' you'll know you've just made a very rude gesture," he joked, referencing an episode of the Larry David-starring comedy.

The band then played a new song, 'The Kids Are Sick Again', which Smith confirmed would appear on the band's next album, which he explained they were set to begin work on imminently.

A mid-paced song featuring the song title repeatedly sung as the chorus, the new song showcased a more laid-back direction for the band, although it featured their trademark keyboard swirls and harsh drumbeats.

Maximo Park ended their set with 'Apply Some Pressure', after which Smith earnestly thanked the crowd for their enthusiastic response.

Maximo Park played:

'Girls Who Play Guitars'
'Graffiti'
'Our Velocity'
'I Want You To Stay'
'By The Monument'
'The Coast Is Always Changing'
'The Kids Are Sick Again'
'The Unshockable'
'Going Missing'
'Books In Boxes'
'Apply Some Pressure'

Keep checking NME.COM for the latest news, pictures, videos and blogs live from both V Festival Chelmsford and V Festival Staffordshire all weekend.