There’s always something special about a small gig with only a couple of hundred people in the audience, especially with a band who always have that something special to offer.

Last time they were in Preston, The Maine played the main room of 53 Degrees with fellow Americans All Time Low. But this year it was upstairs above the main bulk of the venue which saw them play a small but undoubtedly sweet show, and despite the downgrade of capacity the five-piece were on top form, playing with just as much talent and gratitude as if they had been in front of 2,000.

With The Maine it is perfectly clear that they have two priorities: music, and their fans. The simple stage set-up was perfect to showcase their musical talent, and their constant interaction with members of the audience made it seem like we were there for more than simply a set of songs.

Opening with Run, the Arizona boys had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the get-go, playing tunes both old and new to satisfy all the fans’ preferences and show the consistency of their talent throughout their career. Their sound was as pitch perfect as their studio recordings, but with the edge and added instrumentals that come with playing live, building the atmosphere and experience that make their live shows so special.

Right Girl and Inside Of You were clear crowd pleasers, the majority of whom were not only singing but yelling the words back at the boys on the stage. Things slowed down a bit with Misery, but it was evidently another favourite with lead singer John O’Callaghan’s impressive vocals accompanied by the audience once again. John showed his versatility as he not only sang but also played the guitar and piano for some songs whilst the rest of the band also showed their expertise, performing a tight and united set.

The bond between the members of The Maine is indisputable through the way they play together and laugh together on stage, clear that they do not play because they have to, but because they so undoubtedly want to. After the first verse of Growing Up, John stopped to thank the fans and say how fortunate they are to still play music, and it is so great to see a band who radiate their love for what they do and their gratitude for being able to do so.

Despite the venue only being half-filled, The Maine made it their own, and with a captivated crowd hanging off their every note and fan’s parents ‘twist and shouting’ at the bar, they’re clearly doing it right.