Maps & Atlases – Perch Patchwork
"Perch Patchwork" is the debut album from ex Chicago Columbia College art students Maps & Atlases. Having formed in 2004, the band has experimented with unconventional approaches to compositions and song writing, drawing influences from around the World.
The odd drums and vocals climbing up and down scales of the album opener 'Will' is a strange arrangement and would sit well with some of the early experimental prog rockers of the 1970s. The chaos is short lived with the pop-influenced 'The Charm'. Here, we are properly introduced to the singing style of David Davison. He has a very unusual, bluesy, almost sad voice; all this over some manic, military drumming. The track is addictive.
Influences abound and the next song 'Living Decorations' changes tack again. This is an up tempo pop song driven along by some intricate Afro/Latin percussion and some more vocal gymnastics.
'Solid Ground' starts off much slower, though quickly develops into catchy rhythms and a feel of early folk/rock. It all starts to fit together. Now I get this band. The acoustic guitar of 'Is' seems to be a nod towards traditional blues/roots in it's tone and tinny sound and this is totally in contrast to the West Coast catchy choruses of the next track, 'Israeli Caves'
The songs are all individual, though they all fit together seamlessly. The upbeat 'Banished By Cavalier', the off tempo 'Carrying The Wet Wood' and addictive laments and Caribbean undertones of 'Pigeon' are all delivered in a thoughtful and intricate way.
Musical intricacies abound in the progressive 'If This Is' and gentle, floating 'Was'. It all finally comes together with the closer 'Perch Patchwork'; a mixture of classic prog rock, bigger string sounds and traditional roots-driven melodies. With quirky sounds, off beat melodies and flashes of excellence, it all seems to fit together.
The music on this album can be described as 'new roots'. Blues and other styles had to start somewhere and here Maps & Atlases have defined their own modern day genre. It's a mix of styles all glued together with the distinctive voice of David Davison, a breath of fresh air.