Man/Miracle’s debut album The Shape of Things sold out of its first pressing rather quickly when it was originally self-released by the band towards the end of 2009. Now The Shape of Things has received a proper release thanks to the Bay Area label, Third Culture Records.

The Shape of Things has an admirable diversity, the 10 songs vary enough to all sound unique without sounding like 10 different bands. The four members that make up Oakland’s Man/Miracle are somehow able to shift the energy and intensity of their songs effortlessly, drawing you in for the quiet moments only to explode into an engrossing rhythm moments later. Songs like “Above the Salon” and “Pushing and Shoving” lean on the dancier side of indie rock, while songs like “Up” and “Back of the Card” mix afro pop and Talking Heads into some weird and catchy fun. Not to make The Shape of Things sound too light, there are definitely times when this record gets intense, aggressive, and even dark.

Lead singer, Dylan Travis, heads the diverse musical landscape with a strong and intriguing voice. His vocals can be rather easy going in the more straightforward moments of the record, but once the music intensifies his voice surges with energy, adding a haunting and enthralling narrative to the songs.

There is definitely a substantial afro and David Byrne style pop influence to this record, something that has become popular recently in the indie rock world (i.e. Vampire Weekend). However, Man/Miracle definitely makes it their own, bringing a healthy amount of dirt, grit, and raw energy to the mix. A talented group of musicians and an impressive debut album!

The Shape of Things is out now on Third Culture Records. Man/Miracle just finished up a tour with Rogue Wave and play Milk Bar on May 20th.

-Glenn Jackson

Maps and Atlases found their beginnings at Columbia in 2004 and have recorded two EPs prior to Perch Patchwork -work that garnered comparisons to TV on the Radio and Deerhoof. For those who haven't heard the band's previous work, you'll find a group who is certainly talented, inventing their own brand of indie folk pop complete with custom guitar playing methods. Though "Perch" is catchy as hell, none of the songs stand out as particularly special.

Instead Perch Patchwork comes off sounding as if producer Jason Cupp manipulated the band's signature quirk into a palatable mainstream framework that could potentially alienate old fans while attracting a new and perhaps less indie base of listeners.

David Davison's unique and brassy vocals highlight the group's folk routes on an album clearly about breaking up. The second track on the album, "The Charm" finds Davison crooning "I don't think there is a sound that I hate more than the sound of your voice, when you say that you don't love me anymore." The tragic lyrics continue against a backdrop of ironically upbeat music throughout the album. While Erin Elders' acclaimed slap guitar playing still sounds interesting, many of the songs on Perch Patchwork sound too similar, for instance "Solid Ground" and "Pigeon." Having a common thread or theme on an album is certainly necessary, but Maps and Atlases may have pushed theirs a touch too far on this most recent effort.

Despite all these criticisms, one would be remiss to deny pop lure of the tunes on Perch Patchwork. Regardless of their similarities, the album-as one big song-gets caught in a listener's head after a single play through. The blend of folk and pop is almost pastoral and reminiscent of the group's mid-western roots. If not an album to absolutely love, Maps and Atlases have created a piece that at least has a little something for everyone.

Perch Patchwork comes out on Barsuk Records June 29th 2010. Catch Maps and Atlases opening for Frightened Rabbit at the Metro this Saturday, May 8th at 8pm. - Erin Keane