Maps @ Oran Mor

A heady mixture of My Bloody Valentine influenced noise, old-fashioned folk songwriting and electronic experimentation; Maps ought to be a studio creation. Yet in the intimate confines of the Oran Mor, James' soft voice bridges the gap between the swirling maelstrom and pop accessibility. Although many bands inspired by the possibilities of synthesisers disappear into abstract noise, Maps retain a strong sense of melody and a pastoral calm: It Will Find You is a rare creation that matches a summery chorus with an undertow of distorted guitar. Their songs are equal parts avant-grade and sly pop: anthems for introverts or even, finally, folk music that is firmly rooted in keyboards and effects. While their sound is not fully developed - In Chemistry is a blithe if enjoyable collision - they are re-imagining that first meeting between independent rock and the potential of modern technology - headfirst into the future, without abandoning the past. [Gareth K Vile]