aaamusic | On 08, Feb 2011

[cincopa A4IA3daB6FVd]

Math-rock goes folk! Maps & Atlases enchant the crowd of XOYO with masterly executions and the splendid falsetto of Dave, trademark of the band along with his hippie beard and the disturbing percussions of Chris.

Maps & Atlases’ secrets lays in the perfect technique of its members and the original style that the band has developed since 2004, when with two acclaimed EPs the four-piece reached the status of cult-band.

The Chicagoan ensemble starts with the joyous ‘Pigeon’, from album ‘Perch Patchwork’ and the venue is straight away an exultation of handclapping.

Here the Paul Simon of Graceland meets the geometry of math-rock making it less edgy and more desirable.

‘If This Is’ is a sweet ballad sparkled with blissful changes of rhythm, while next single ‘Living Decorations’ stands out as the missing link between progressive and pop. While in studio the album ‘Perch Patchwork’ didn’t reach the levels of the first two EPs, live on stage the magic of Maps & Atlases is still alive and kicking. The American four-piece manages to entertain without any need to exchange any word with the audience. Shamefully this was the only night in UK for them, but there’s still time until the 19^th if you fancy crossing the channel to the Continent.

Author & Photos: Lorenzo Coretti