Rebecca Leigh. Eric Hanson. Jeff Ball. Matt Helgeson.
Influences
Wire, Buzzcocks, Talking Heads, Blonde Redhead, Mission of Burma, Bauhaus, Sonic Youth, Neu!, Can, Pet Shop Boys, 90 Day Men, The Cure, Public Image Limited, David Bowie.....
"Okay…let's see, where were we?” Oh yeah, second albums.
Second albums are traditionally the point where bands decide if they are going to add a rapper or if they are going to get down to business. They've got one record and a zillion shows under their belts, maybe they've been knocked around a bit and hopefully everyone knows everyone else a little better. So its time to live up to that early promise, to channel all of that stuff into an album that's tougher, louder, an album with some swagger…or, you know, get a white dude with dreads to hype the crowd. Fortunately Maps of Norway choose the former rather than the latter. And they called it Die Off Songbird.
So, back to the cave with Minneapolis producer Mike Wisti, but this time work was done quick, a few sessions in January laying everything to tape. Not going to over-think things, just get it to sound good and go. The band let's the grooves run a little longer (the favorite set opener "Strict Ritual" runs for 8 minutes) and the tunes have become a bit blurrier. Not so much of a fog though that you can't still have songs like "The Runout", which is frankly a college radio hit if you ask me.
Vocals and guitars lines come swirling in out of a gray montage of bass and drums. The rhythm section is still the fulcrum and guitar and vocals are still the lever. There are some atmospheric touches: some acoustic guitars, some bells, and a load of buzzing, wet synth blobs that gurgle all over the place. We're still living in the electric age. Hanson's guitar has more bite this time around especially on "The Lights" – he's really squeezing out the sparks. Leigh vocals are the fourth instrument here, "Polo Grounds" and "Ex-Ghost" her voice is expansive over the punch of Helgeson’s taut bass and Ball's stripped-down drumming.
Second albums are a tricky thing to negotiate, and Maps of Norway handle it like old pros. You might find yourself stepping back a bit from the speaker and just trying to take moment to let it all sink in.
-- Chris Besinger
I quite agree with the last comment even though I'm late with my own...for me, the music you made together is etched into my heart and memories, and I'll remain forever grateful to you for creating such incomparably gorgeous noise...the loss of Maps of Norway is felt beyond the Twin Cities as well. Major big thank you's to you all, and best wishes.
The Twin Cities lost an important band Maps. We will miss the hell out of all of you, and trust us when we say that your last CD was one of the best in our collection. Please stay in touch, and best of luck with any future projects.
An Electrifying Conclusion to a Scintillating Career. I truly appreciate the years and years of superlative music, which I loved instantly since the archaic 50 Foot Wave show. I will try not to feel lost without my Maps. love Joe
Epic encore. I almost cried. I did, however, lose my mind dancing.
I wish you guys the best of luck on whatever it is you all do next. Your two great albums will remain in heavy rotation on my tape decks. Maps of Norway was not only the first great mpls band I saw but was also my favorite.
So long and thanks for all the beats. We'll all miss you guys.
Hi great band people! So happy that STILL, every single person I have had listen to your album digs it...just want you to know that a lotta different kinds of folks think your music is 100% !!!! :)
Hey guys, just thought I'd drop a little comment here. Just heard your music a couple of days ago, after a recommendation from a friend, and I have to say, I love what you are doing. So original, superb!
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