REVIEW: MAPS AND ATLASES AT BRISTOL COOLER (14/04/12)
Maps and Atlases’ set at The Cooler in Bristol was special for a number of reasons. The show was the first time they played in Bristol and was the first night of their UK and European Tour. The gig also marked the release of their second full length album, Beware and Be Grateful.
Maps and Atlases, a four piece math-rock, folk blend from Chicago, formed in 2004, known for their fast paced, finger blistering riffs and syncopated rhythms. As the band developed their sound, they began to experiment more with layering of rhythms and incorporating more of the folk sound to complement the controlled chaos of their first two EPs. Beware and Be Grateful comes full circle integrating these two sounds in a way that showcases the bands true talent for song writing and performance, with their live sets highlighting their enthusiasm, especially here with their first chance to perform new tracks live.
A buzz rippled through the venue as the band entranced both the crowd and themselves with new songs, ‘Winter’ and old favourites, ‘Daily News’. Each member of the band had something that made you want to watch and listen to their specific parts; whether it was lead singer Dave Davison’s amazing and unique vocal styling’s, Erin Elder’s blinding guitar riffs, bassist Shiraz Dada grooving’ bass lines and dance moves, or Hainey’s rhythmic chaos, the collective set was almost too much visual and auditory stimulation.
During ‘Solid Ground’, off of their first LP Perch Patchwork, the drummer, Chris Hainey, created unthinkable rhythms alongside the bass and guitar riffs during an extended solo and bridge.
I could go on at extreme length about the little nuances of the Maps and Atlases set, but most of it would be lost on the fact that listening to the band is a deeply personal experience. You get lost in each track only to find yourself listening something totally different as the song closes.
Maps and Atlases played like a personalised and visual orchestra that were just as excited as the crowd who anxiously awaited each new song to surprise them. The fact that this night held so many firsts gave it an aura of excitement and appreciation that reflected in the crowd and reflected the sentiment of the latter half of the new album’s title, being grateful.
Words and photo: Albert Testani
