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Reviews > CDs

CDs / Shows

Published: 2010/09/02

by Emily Zemler

Maps & Atlases: Perch Patchwork

Barsuk

Chicago’s Maps & Atlases has been around for over six years, previously releasing several EPs that showcase its occasionally bizarre experimental sound. Perch Patchwork is the band’s debut full-length, greatly anticipated by its fans and likely the key to expanding its popularity. The 12-song disc is particularly folk-oriented—although the band marries aspects of indie rock, folk and experimental music—and is largely acoustic, veering dramatically from sparse moments of rhythm to dancing layers of bouncing melody. While it’s generally interesting, much of the album tends to blend together. “Israeli Caves” is the record’s distinct standout—its folksy, light-hearted aesthetic setting it apart from some of its slightly blander peers. Maps & Atlases’ sound is subtle and niche, but when the band succeeds, it does it with innovative flair.

Comments

There are 2 comments associated with this post

Makiko April 20, 2012, 08:29:42

thenewboston .you are the best new thing(new for me that is, and i still cant believe i haven’t came corass these tutorials before. There is just so much gunk out there of people enjoying the sound of their own voice interlaced by a lot of ahhhhhh and mmmmmm and hmmmmmm )

Javi October 30, 2012, 21:27:27

I think you are right about the need for more insight about the exatrs . By this I mean the benefits that you can not measure directly. The argument is that it is profitable even without this extra. Yet the benefits that can not be calculated directly are very valuable, I will attempt to illustrate these more clearly. If you have any ideas to how this could be shown in a nice way, I would love to hear it.