Maps - We Can Create (Mute)
4/5
By: Gareth Roberts
Quite an exciting bunch are these boys (or boy - is it a band, a solo project, what? We're confused). There have been whispers for a while now that Maps are the new masters of the soundscape, that they have a knack for creating a wall of sound that would put Eno to shame (ok, the last one is rumour we madeup). But what is true is that they're very, very good indeed.
'So Low So High' kicks things off in somewhat unexpected style, tune-wise it wouldn't sound out of place on Morrissey's more recent work, yet where it differs is in that talent for taking things to the next level sonically (as well as in the vocal obviously). If sound could be heard in 3D, it would sound something like this.
'You Don't Know Her Name' is another beautifully crafted pop song, whilst 'Elouise' acts as a showcase for the band's technical ability, a smorgasbord of sounds jumping out from the speakers from all angles yet in perfect unison. I think perhaps the best way to convey what Maps' music is like is to let you imagine a scene of a crossroads from above with many cars crossing from each direction, yet none of them collide, they manage to evade ach other in perfect synchronicity. That make sense? It does to me anyway. Watch some Futurama.
'It Will Find You' takes us towards more abstract territory, bypassing any attempt at run of the mill song-smithery for something more akin to Bjork's more unstable moments. Suffice to say its impressive stuff. 'Liquid Sugar' and the dreamlike 'Don't Fear' only serve to deepen the love that has been blossoming since pressing the play button, whilst closer 'When You Leave' is all but enough to get you down on one knee. A great record from a great band.
Stream two tracks from 'We Can Create' HERE.
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