Maps and Atlases

Maps and Atlases is one my favorite bands to come out of the Chicago indie rock scene lately. Their sound is mathy (thank you ever changing time signatures) and melodic at the same time, like a mix between Faraquet, Minus the Bear and Hella. The addition of a vibraphone adds to their stellar instrumentation, along with the precise tapping, strumming, and picking of both guitarists.


Download

For an interview with the band and live footage, check out this video:

A Northern Chorus

Last year I took a handful of business trips across the US, and while I was in New York I decided to visit the Cake Shop, a bar/record store/music venue, to hear this band on a whim. What a night - the opening bands were great, and A Northern Chorus left me stunned. In a room of under 100 people, I sat in front, mesmerized by the cellist, and the band's general ability to rock out one minute and create intimate, hushing atmospheres the next.

Unfortunately, after four albums since 2001, they decided to break up a few months ago. Listen to Skeleton Keys off their last album below.


Download

Check out their official video for "Winterize":