YOU AND ME AND THE MOUNTAIN

Maps and Atlases is a vocal math rock outfit that has put together two EPs of which _You and Me and the Mountain_ is the second. Five relatively short songs are all we get. But in fine math tradition, the band packs quite a bit in at once. Each piece has a distinct statement to make both lyrically and musically, and it takes quite a few listens to pull apart the tightly woven threads of this music. At the same time, it's amazing how pleasant it is to listen to even on the basic level.

Another remarkable thing about this band is how well the voice fits with the math style and yet is still melodic and hook-y. Singer Dave Davison's timbre is relatively high and firmly within the indie style, but often he has to be more rapid-fire and rhythmic to keep up with the band. Sometimes, the voice is just one more repeating, interweaving line along with the clean guitars, bells, multi-timbred bass, and drums varying from straightforward to chaotic. The lyrics are as carefully chosen as the compositions are arranged, but always with a sense of playfulness that belies just how hard this stuff must be to play.

My favorite songs are "Artichokes" and "You and Me and the Mountain," though all of the pieces are quite good. Part of me yearns for more than this short foray, but I also wonder if the band is quite ready to sustain the energy for an entire LP. The sound itself may not be quite ready for that. It's so busy that even 45 minutes could be an exhausting listening experience. As it is, I'm left wanting more, left repeating the disc to go dig for more nuggets of gold. The EP delivers in that regard, over and over.

I'm just now really starting to get into math rock, and this has been an excellent entry. For those who say there is nothing new in music, dive into this EP.

Share this MAPS & ATLASES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Negoba
• Report this review (#211403)
• Buy MAPS & ATLASES music online with PA partners
• Show all MAPS & ATLASES MP3/Stream
• Go to MAPS & ATLASES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to You And Me And The Mountain page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MAPS & ATLASES related discussions