Los Angeles based indie-jazz/math-rock (though subtly defiant of both terms)band Charts and Maps have released a 4 song EP, titled “Enemies of C.Frias”. Working with engineer/producer Chris Schlarb (whose solo projects and free-jazz duo I Heart Lung are released through Sufjan Steven’s Asthmatic Kitty records), the band have managed to further hone their sound while losing none of the adventurous flair of their previous releases.
Characterized by unrestrained song structure, a keen ear for new aesthetic, and an unabashed ability to throw a looping curveball in the form of a key change or time signature switch, Charts and Maps still make music for people who understand music, but have developed upon their ability to blend the aforementioned with catchy and grooving hooks. Their music is intrinsically unclassifiable, roving between genres, tied together by stylistic nuances–categorized by their uncategorizability (yeah, it’s a word, apparently), as much as anything else. Instead of losing themselves in heady concept, as many bands with this kind introduction do, Charts and Maps are unequivocally listenable and sonically pleasant. Take a listen for yourself.
As key members of Heard.of.Elephants, an art/music collective that has been gathering praise, acclaim, and following in the Los Angeles area recently for their forward-thinking stance on showgoing (mixing art, music, film, and sociality into one convenient event), Charts and Maps have taken their live show to a new level. Adding Jay Watford on guitar and Mike Allison on Sax, the band’s energy is unmistakable. The affair is a lot more raucous than one would imagine when listening to the intricacy of the music.
Tracklisting :
1. Pearl Divers of the Arabian Peninsula
2. Herd of Elephants
3. The Sheriff Suspects Arson (ii)
4. In the Town of Machine
Download from here.
