Maps - We Can Create

At moments on his first full-length record, Maps mastermind James Chapman performs with an effervescent and winsome quality; at others, his work is gently mesmerizing. No matter what the tone or dynamic, the UK songwriter delivers a glowing debut, deftly mixing elements of ambient, pop, indie rock and electronica. Chapman opens the project with three quickly paced cuts which marry engaging vocals and a spirited yet controlled rhythmic drive with a variety of electronic and organic sounds. The best of these initial tracks, "Elouise" begins with harmonic noise; over several minutes the song evolves and progresses, allowing one of Chapman's most memorable melodies to emerge. This short sequence gives way to the heart of the album, a string of stirring and beautiful tracks, which though steeped in quieter and more atmospheric sounds, retain the richness and soul Chapman displays on the opening trio of songs. Of these cuts, "Glory Verse" and "Back + Forth" stand out most. Press material accompanying the album asserts that Chapman undertook the recording without the use of computers, instead "preferring the painstaking process of splicing sounds together on his battered 16 track recorder." This revelation only serves to further emphasize the talent and potential for brilliance which lies in Chapman's work. We Can Create seems to be the start of something special. [www.mapsmusic.com]