Album Review: Maps’ “Vicissitude” lacks change, stagnant

Junette Reyes/Staff Writer

Released: July 9, 2013

“Vicissitude” marks the third studio album for James Chapman, the electronica artist that records under the name of Maps.

The title itself is supposed to signify some sense of change, which might make sense in regards to the last studio album released in 2009, titled “Turning the Mind.” I mention this because it wasn’t considered such a great follow-up to the debut album released in 2007, titled “We Can Create.”

Despite the title, the current album does not easily tie into this theme of change and tends to be somewhat stagnant. So much so that songs in the tracklist sometimes overlap to the point of making me believe I’m still listening to the same track.

Almost every song is overly extended, most nearing or already at the six minute mark. This isn’t always such a bad thing with most songs, such as the strong intro that is “A.M.A.” or the song titled “Nicholas” that kept me listening midway through.

Still, the extension of some songs plays into this idea that the album doesn’t really build up to anything all that much or take you somewhere once you reach the final song, “Adjusted to Darkness.”

That’s not to say this is an album that can be quickly dismissed and overlooked.

As previously mentioned, “A.M.A.” starts off the tracklist strong and is certainly one of the upsides to this album.

“I’ve been staring into the sun,” sings Chapman, starting off “Vicissitude” with an ethereal, dream-pop vibe.

I must admit that this dreamy, airy vibe is maintained quite well throughout the album, but only a certain handful of songs truly make it worthwhile. At times, it even feels like it’s every other song in the tracklist that stands out as opposed to a continuous streak of songs.

“You Will Find a Way,” for example, follows “A.M.A” as the third track of the album and is by far the better follow-up track, putting “Built to Last” to shame as the second track.

“Nicholas” immediately follows as the fifth track of the album and is undoubtedly the most special song on “Vicissitude.” It doesn’t even have any complicated lyrics that try too hard to sound poetic and simply presents itself with a sense of ease.

Other notable tracks on the album include “Heard Them Say” and “This Summer.”

Overall, Chapman has produced an album as Maps that is certainly worth listening to. Just don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re listening to the same song on repeat sometimes.

junette.reyes@fiusm.com 

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