Perch Patchwork

Maps & Atlases (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Barsuk
• ASIN: B003LWLGDE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,999 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Abraham Lincoln once said, ''I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back.'' The same holds true for fellow sons of the Prairie State, Maps & Atlases, who, despite a flurry of activity since their inception in 2006, are only now releasing their full-length debut. But it's been worth the wait: not only is Perch Patchwork the Chicago quartet's first long player, it's also their first masterpiece--a beautiful suite of songs that should rightly place the band in indie rock's upper echelon.
The band's previous two EPs employed an arid, live sound, setting up Perch Patchwork to deliver a lush contrast of strings, horns, assorted percussion, and a variety of toy instruments, all placed just-so on some spot-on songwriting. In a world cluttered with digital ephemera, an album that flows from beginning to end with such deliberate grace is all the more specialâ ¦ not to mention a perfect soundtrack for the hissing of summer lawns.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best album of 2010, July 25, 2010

By 

Ryan Taylor - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perch Patchwork (MP3 Download)

While Perch Patchwork is quite a departure from their first two EPs, Maps and Atlases have crafted a wonderful tapestry that, while not shying away from their earlier work, charts new territory with the introduction of different sonic elements, exhibiting maturation in musicianship and song writing that should please current fans while drawing interest from those who desire unique and interesting alternatives to what passes for independent voices these days.

This is, by far, my favorite album of 2010.

5.0 out of 5 stars "No one lives here anymore": A breath of fresh air, December 21, 2011

By 

NRW - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perch Patchwork (MP3 Download)

"Perch Patchwork" is Chicago's Maps & Atlases first full length LP and it doesn't disappoint. The main appeal of this album is in its uniqueness. Anyone familiar with Maps & Atlases previous EPs knows that their music is mathy; it is riddled with nimble guitar-tapping melodies and complex rhythms. Part of the greatness of "Perch Patchwork" is that it retains a lot of this amazing technicality, while being very accessible and organic feeling. They lyrical content of the album is a beast of its own, and I cannot do them justice in a review because they speak for themselves.

Not only does the album flow well (i.e. Will/The Charm/Living Decorations), but it examines certain musical themes that can be heard throughout the album. "Perch Patchwork" ebbs and flows. It swells so naturally, perhaps the greatest example being the beautiful title track, that the album becomes almost addicting to listen to. Granted, it took me a few listens before "Perch Patchwork" revealed all of its glory to me, but it gets better with every listen.

Buy this album to experience some of the most interesting, and crazy, folk inspired mathy indie rock out there. But even this genre label doesn't define their music--the best way to find out is to listen! I highly recommend listening to the song "Pigeon" to get an idea of what Maps & Atlases is all about. However, listening to any other song will do. They are all phenomenal.

Lastly I have to note that these guys have incredible live shows. They have an almost uncanny level of precision and great energy live. Maps & Atlases is truly talented and onto something special. I don't think they're going to stop making music anytime soon...I can safely say this is my favorite album of 2010, and still is at the close of 2011.

5.0 out of 5 stars Maps and Awsomeness, August 4, 2011

By 

Jarrett - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Perch Patchwork (Dlcd) (Vinyl)

Unbridled individualism lies within each member of Maps and Atlases. With them combined, a synergistic effect of true passion and talent makes for some amazing music. As with most great albums, Perch Patchwork did not fully hit me until the 4th or 5th listen through, and when it did, it was pretty sweet, but also, pretty cool.