Maps - Lost My Soul

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 28 / 3 / 2006

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Review

'Lost My Soul', which has been released on 10" vinyl, is limited to just 1000 copies and not that easy to find. It is Australian band Maps' second release. 'Lost my Soul' features a delicate vocal that recollects that of Robert Wratten of the Field Mice. It has a lovely lush production and a moody organ groove. The overall sound is very full on and combines a shoegazing and a twee sound, but also has the added bonus of a dance element. 'Sparks in the Snow' has an organ based intro and lots more dance grooves to it. The vocal recalls that of Neil Halstead from Mojave 3, until it gets into a dance trip groove. It also comes with a free CD single too called 'Maps : Region1'. This has another two gems on it, 'Sophie' and 'Tiesto' which are both experimental and finds Maps in Bjork territory. They are very electronica-based, but with bigger beats. They sound quite Christmas-like in tone and have a pleasant hammond organ sound before both eventually recalling Slowdive. 'The Gathering (Region Mix)' is a continued version of the last track. It is dancey and trippy manner with a lush vocal that is used mainly liked an added instrument. The whole record has an early 90's feel. Further information can be found be found at www.myspace.com/mapsmusic

Track Listing:-

1 Lost My Soul
2 Sparks In The Snow