Maps & Atlases, XOYO, London

Maps & Atlases are a band who have undergone something of a transformation in their prolonged gestation period. Their first EP (‘Trees, Swallows, Houses’) was released as far back as 2006 yet debut album ‘Perch Patchwork’ only emerged in the summer of last year. Previously defined (or rather, labelled) under the ‘math-rock’ tag, their earlier material drew comparisons with pre-album Foals. It’s technical attributes were clear for all to see but detractors referenced the lack of emotion in the music, its rigid structures removing any element of passion or feeling.

‘Perch Patchwork’ blew any of that out of the water with its sound combining their earlier aesthetic with a warmth and use of melody inspired by folk (references to Fleex Foxes aren’t derived solely from their combined love of beards and hair). This mish mash of warmth and precision is worked to great effect live, the musicianship on display is inspiring yet not daunting. The band are clearly loving the reception they’re receiving, almost surprised - in the space of four months they’ve gone from playing Cargo to selling out the considerably bigger XOYO. The venue is filled to the brim tonight. The drummer is taut, the bassist prances around the stage (though ironically his head nodding seems to be out of time with the songs themselves…) and singer Erin Elders voice has a strength to it not heard on record, where it’s fragility was endearing. ‘Perch Patchwork’ material is beefed up live, ‘Solid Ground’ in particular packing far more of a punch.

The main issue with tonights performance is with the venue itself - the layout isn’t suited to a gig (indeed, we’re trapped behind a massive bloody supporting column). The acoustic encore on the floor (a nice touch, though their claims of it being ‘impromptu’ are somewhat deadened when you know they’ve done it every night of the tour thus far) could only be heard if you were within six feet of the band. I know this as I was eight feet away and could hear bugger all. Overall though, a strong performance by the band, that highlighted the positive points of the reception ‘Perch Patchwork’ received and helped assuage the fear of twee that I had before I entered the venue.