April 13th, 2012 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Maps and Atlases
Album: Beware and Be Grateful
Genre: Indie/folk/experimental
Label: Barsuk (U.S.); Fat Cat (Europe)
Despite having been on the go since 2005, this is only the second LP released by Maps and Atlases. The experimental indie group from Chicago have made a name for themselves in releasing brief flashes of brilliance and have rarely sought to extend it over a full length. Yet, their music has an innate charm and wholesome, engrossing warmth that lends itself to a longer running time. Many of the tracks on Beware and Be Grateful run to four minutes or more, allowing the band to create complex musical landscapes in which to set their thoughts free. The album is folksy and introspective, its mood and atmosphere meandering at times, but always with a concentrated vision and style. Its tracks are robust yet delicate; offering intimate insights yet rooting them in sturdy music and instrumentation. Dave Davison’s vocals stand out for their edgy, raw style yet somehow blend well with the intricacies of the music; adding a more human tone perhaps to the dreamy ambience.
The songs aren’t all whimsical longing, but the band does excel in evoking it. “Old & Gray” is ambient, contemplative, and brooding. As the album opener, it’s largely indicative of the style to come, with spiralling notes and minimal percussion creating a dreamy, removed effect. It’s not so much designed to suck you up as to carry you away, and despite a brief vocal misfire in its closing minutes, it’s a gorgeous track. “Remote and Dark Years” has the same airy, personal effect. Davison’s voice is clear and sharp, with a stronger hint of emotion. This song is shorter and more affecting than many of the others. It captures a hopeful sentiment beautifully by using resurgent music and filling the song with a vivid energy. “Silver Self” takes a little too long to warm up, not finding its flair until a good minute and a half in. It’s rescued by energetic drums and the music remains bouncing and animated throughout, in contrast to the casual temperament of the singing. A latter-half guitar solo adds further texture, though it’s perhaps too numbed to be truly appealing. This song is nonetheless an excellent indication of the band’s ability – it’s adventurous and excitable, yet retains an innocence and freshness in its subtle execution. Maps and Atlases are adept at fashioning hugely complex, inventive songs that sound as intimate and tender as something composed in your bedroom.
The livelier tracks fare just as well. The album mixes styles well, matching each lingering, elusive track with something a bit more grounded and real. “Fever” is filled with vitality and energy, led by strong drums and earnest vocals. “Winter” is also warmer and jazzier. The instrumentation is exquisite and it chugs along happily, using laconic vocals to offset the kick in the music. The layering and guitar work are seamless, lending it a breezy and detached sensibility. Further along, the methodical and sturdy beat of “Vampires” brings the album back down to Earth after “Silver Self,” while “Be Three Years Old” infuses the record with a playful and free-spirited sentiment. The band takes a loose and irreverent approach to their sound, allowing the guitars to thrive. “Old Ash” is idealistic and passionate, while “Important” ends the album as it began by blending concerted, loving lyrics with more serene music. It’s echoing and vibrant and alive, yet so removed at the same time.
Beware and Be Grateful is a subtle work, and yet all-engrossing. It combines a timelessness and level of detail with unique skill and has a simple, charming grace that can’t be faulted. This is a tranquil and sophisticated album overlooked at your peril.
SCORE: 9/10
Review written by Grace Duffy
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