• Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Jun 29, 2010
Perch Patchwork Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

Summary: Maps & Atlases’ second EP, You and Me and the Mountain, found the band moving in a lighter direction than the mathematical frenzy of their first EP Trees, Swallows, Houses. Their first full-length sees them fully morphed into a sophisticated indie pop group. Perch Patchwork is a bold debut, filled with bombastic arrangements, twisting modal progressions, and percussive layers. The skill set is high, but it’s far less showy. Guitarists will still be enthralled by Dave Davidson's and Erin Elders' fingertapping, but acoustics take precedent, and moderately slow tempos maintain the album's balladic feel. If Trees, Swallows, Houses felt like a cousin to Don Cab or Hella, their first Barsuk outing has adapted the organic spirit of their Northwestern labelmates (particularly that of Menomena, the Long Winters, and John Vanderslice.) Of course, with Maps & Atlases' virtuosic chops and syncopated leanings, they kind of resemble BLK JKS or Minus the Bear, albeit with a Jethro Tull influence. Trendy South African rhythms and austere strings spin a web around Davidson’s poetic lyrics, and in this intricate, introspective setting, their talent becomes very clear. ~ Jason Lymangrover
Record Label: Barsuk
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock
Credit: Primary Artist Producer Group Member Group Member Group Member Group Member
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Track Listings

01 Will 07 Banished Be Cavalier
02 The Charm 08 Carrying the Wet Wood
03 Living Decorations 09 Pigeon
04 Solid Ground 10 If This Is
05 Is 11 Was
06 Israeli Caves 12 Perch Patchwork