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[by Greg Schaal]
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Post-Punk, Post-Rock, Post-Post-Punk,
what post are we at now? Is it still
after the last thing or is before the next one yet? Is that bass line
retro-ironic or proto-serious? I cant even tell anymore. Maps of Norway
made their live
debut in early 2004 in St. Paul, MN. Formed by drummer Jeff Ball and
guitarist
Eric Hanson, both previous of Vespertine and bass player Matt Helgeson,
late
of Unbelievable Jolly Machine, the group was not completed until the
addition
of vocalist Rebecca Leigh. The band quickly moved beyond early influences,
Blonde Redhead, Joy Division, and Fugazi to develop their own distinctive,
moody
voice. What I mean is Maps of Norway are not merely a simple retread
of styles
from early 80s UK, this isnt just something you can slip easily in
your
collection to be enjoyed leisurely; you need to come to this recording
on its own
terms. The rhythm section, which was obviously fed huge portions of
rock
dynamics as children, uses Helgesons rubbery bass and Balls whip-snap
drums to carve
out a large space of sound for Hansons atmospheric guitar lines which
sketch
out melodies and other coded bits of information. Rebecca Leigh brings
actual
singing (maybe thats even crooning) and a distinctive stage presence
to the
band. Oh hey, they play all this stuff live too, in case there were
worries that
this was a studio thing or the band were such delicate flowers that
might
wilt under the harsh stage lights. Out here in the middle west, we
require that
our gloomy rock still has to rock. - Chris Besinger |
