Album of the Month

Apologies for the lack of blogging in the last month.  Let's just say I've "had blog-bloc".

Much has been happening for 28 North recently.  The record is 90% complete right now and it's fitting to be a revolutionary album of epic proportions.  We've also had some great shows at the Roxy and in Ventura, which is becoming almost like a second home to us, we love it there.

So last month was lacking our Album of the Month selection so I will have two coming up in the next few weeks to make up for it.

For this edition I'm going to feature Maps & Atlases' recent release "Beware and Be Grateful".  This Chicago-based quartet comes from an indie/math-rock background.  With their last two full length albums M & A has blended intricately complex musicianship with ultra-pop sensibilities and very sensitive, personal lyric content.

"Beware and Be Grateful" begins with the hypnotic guitar pulsing of the master soundscaper guitarist Erin Elders that is commonplace in most M & A cuts.  The song "Old And Grey" continues to build with the swirling layers of singer Dave Davison's luscious harmonies, the brilliant tribal drumming of Chris Hainey, and the masterfully nuanced bass lines of Shiraz Dada.  This first tune travels through the sentimental musings of a terminated relationship and culminates with a very exposed Davison bursting with Eastern-tinged melodic embellishments that are nothing short of heartbreaking.

The record continues in this vein, displaying much musical prowess and a keen sense for concocting subtle intricate layers that form beautifully complex atmospheres.  This is a very dense album that provides much to fascinate and ponder.  It comes highly recommended by yours truly, hope you enjoy.


Maps & Atlases on iTunes

Maps & Atlases on Spotify


-Ty