Maps and Atlases are, from the first, one of those bands who defy description of any sort. Their mix of folk and polyrhythmic beats coupled with anything else they feel like throwing in makes any review of their music a challenge in itself. Having been described as ‘math-rock-folk’, this only touches the surface of what this band are capable of. The closest I can come to describing them is ‘Remain in Light’-era Talking Heads with a dash of Iron and Wine. With this in mind, I can now approach some way of reviewing this, at times, rather extraordinary album.
Starting off with the disjointed ‘Old and Gray,’ it is clear from the start that Maps and Atlases are not taking any easy route to reaching their listeners. It is only that they are clearly such talented musicians that they manage not to derail themselves with the myriad of ideas flowing through. The excellent ‘Fever’ follows and the album slips into a groove which is both danceable, thought provoking and, above all else, fiercely melodic. It is more about finding this groove rather than focusing on individual parts of a song that brings the album alive.
Centrepiece song ‘Silver’ Self slows the pace down slightly and offers a chance to appreciate the rhythms at play in Maps and Atlases music, This is then taken over by the weirdest guitar solo you are ever likely to hear. ‘Vampires’ is almost poppy in its delivery and has the makings of a festival anthem written all over it; ‘Be Three Years Old’ features some of the oddest music you’ll ever hear. It’s an amalgamation of everything that had gone before on the album and it’s only through the sheer willpower of the band that it doesn’t fall apart.
‘Beware and Be Grateful’ is not an easy album to listen to. It is one of those that requires a certain amount of patience and repeated listening. The rewards are there though for those who stick with it. Its combination of folk and ‘math rock’ is confusing at times but look deeper into the music and you’ll find an highly intelligent band just making pop songs the only way they know how to.
Beware and Be Grateful is out on April 16th via FatCat Records; Winter can be downloaded for free here.
Posted by Martyn Coppack
