Review:

on 2010-02-05 Zakerias Said:

MAPS & ATLASES - TREES, SWALLOWS, HOUSES


From the first explosion of notes in the opening track of "Trees, Swallows, Houses", you can be sure that you'll need a mathematical head to really be able to appreciate what's to come in the next six tracks... Or will you?

With a syncopated mess of Don Caballero-esque vibes and, at times, an almost identical tone to that of Russian Circles; Maps & Atlases drives it all home with a vocal style that suits.
Everything slows down with precision and gets to the point when it's necessary, as in the tracks "The Ongoing Horrible" and "The Sounds They Make" where they bring it all back down to the simpler things in life, all with an avant garde twist beneath it.

This band has moved to the top of my play-list just for that fact, really. So many times within this particular kind of sound does it seem to me like the artists are trying to attempt a constant flow of madness, a proverbial wank-off and nothing more.
Maps & Atlases let's us know that they definitely possess the talent to be ridiculous in their structure, but can still deliver solid, simple melodies that make great love to the listener's ears and get that heel stomping at all of the right times.

Bash our brains in and make us feel better about it.

The true test to a group like this, to me, is their ability to pull it off on a stage together. Naturally, after listening to "Trees, Swallows, Houses" in it's entirety, I had to search for and get an idea of where they stood in the live performance department.

It seems my only complaint is the seemingly major difference in vocals from the album compared to the stage. However, where the sonority and intensity of the voice seemed to have lost itself a little bit, the musicianship still held the same efficacy as it would from popping the CD back in.

Bottom line: As far as the studio album is concerned, through and through, it's a handful of aces under an eighteen year old shot of Jameson.
Rating: 8/10

Review:

on 2007-07-14 lmartini Said:

Uncanny, idiosyncratic vocals, notes upon notes of sporadic guitar playing and erratic drums beats; this is Trees, Swallows, Houses, an array of experimental, quirky tunes dealt out by the American math rock band, Maps & Atlases. Injecting rock with experimental technical elements these guys have taken a new spin on what otherwise could’ve been known simply as indie/alternative music. Dave Davison’s vocals have been described as “off tune” yet the contrast of his (comparatively) calm singing against the exploding instruments propels this band into another level of inimitability. It may take a little getting used to at first, but with more and more bands taking a brave leap forward in the very same direction, it might do one good to get acquainted and see what all the fuss is about.
Rating: 8/10