Wednesday, November 18, 2009

REVIEW: Maps - Turning The Mind

8 out of 10

I admire Maps, I really admire the first album "We Can Create", which was a dazzling Electronic/Nu-Gaze Bedroom-Pop pièce de résistance. I admire that solid writing has never been an issue when it comes to James' work. Nearly every track on "We Can Create" served it's purpose and then some, no fillers really (check out the track "So Low, So High"). Nearly 2 years later we are once again tempted with the pleasure of blessing our earphones with more Neo-astral bliss. James Chapman (Maps) explains "Turning The Mind" as an "eye opening experience" when one finds him/herself on top of their game and willing to let go of anything holding them back. As far as I'm concerned this "change/turning" of his is a good thing the overall writing and production on "Turning The Mind" is sharper, the hooks are ummm "hookier?", the lyrics are stronger, and the overall vibe is a little more "dancey"/electronic. Mr. Chapman wanted to be more "true" to himself when writing this album, by doing so he created a much more visceral and solace experience.

"Turning The Mind" starts off with an uplifting song that could be played at nearly any event ending in happiness and/or a massive lifting of spirits, it only get's better from there. "I Dream Of Crystal" has some of the best "ooohs & aaahs" choir sounding keyboards I have ever heard, the background atmospheres/electronics & drumming set this song up to be one of the best tracks I have heard all year long (really it gives me goose bumps in the right mindset). As I mentioned above the overall vibe for this album is a little more electronic, so I could imagine this album putting off some Shoegazers, but you have to understand something, Mr. Chapman never wanted to write "Shoegaze/Nu-Gaze" music, his true passion is in electronics/techno music. There are however still a lot of "Map-isms" within, so don't worry too much Overall I found this album to be a much more pleasing experience than the previous album and if Maps stays on this route a 10 out of 10 album may indeed be just around the corner.. Congrats James, keep up the good work and keep a strong head on your shoulders, I look forward to our meeting up again.

If you own the previous Maps album but have been putting this album off for some reason, wait no longer. "Turning The Mind" is a great album that should keep you entertained from beginning to end. I dare you not to fall in-love with the seraphic keyboard riffs and captivating electronics that carry this music. RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: I Dream Of Crystal (soooooo addicting), Valium In The Sunshine, Everything Is Shattering (also pretty catchy), Nothing (bust out the glow sticks if you have em'), Die Happy Die Smiling, Without You

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