Maps & Atlases

These guys haven’t released anything in a couple of years, but their quirky sound is still in demand. Often described as “mathrock,” these guys create a whole bag of odd tricks on their latest album, 2012’s Beware and Be Grateful. Tracks “Old Ash” and “Remote & Dark Years” have very calculated (and indeed calculator-like) noises going off in the background while Davison’s vocals tango in syncopated rhythm, yet both seem to take a weirdly laid-back café style. “Fever” and “Old and Gray” are a little more upbeat and have a twist of funk in their guitar while doo-woppy vocals harmonize in the background. These guys certainly aren’t afraid to mix genres, and the live show is as varied as their studio releases. (Trenholme)