Maps & Atlases are a band I’ve been following for a long time now. I remember first hearing their debut album and not believing it. In my taste they are almost a perfect band. Skipping joyously in between an unruly technicality cyclone and  tasty soul/folk/pop. Over the past few years, and with each new release Maps & Atlases have slowly started to loose the overwhelming time signatures and double hand guitar tapping harmonies to lean more on their songwriting strengths. It’s very easy to get pigeon-holed as a “math” or “experimental” band and these guys sure figured out how to fight off the labels to create something fresh and new. Where many have failed Maps & Atlases once again prove to one and all that they are an untamable shape shifting entity. Solid Ground sounds part sweet lullaby part art film beach sunset outro part classic Map & Atlases riffing. Singer Dave Davison (haha) has not only grown a gigantic beared, he’s locked down his signature singing style with more soul than ever before. (more…)