With two impressive EPs already under their collective belt, the anticipation and self imposed high standard caused for higher than normal expectations for Perch Patchwork the debut album from Map & Atlases. To their credit, they delivered an intelligent and bright effort improving on the quality of their already impressive songwriting and personalized sound.

The album is littered with rustic polyrhythmic percussion and sharp and clean guitar lines that, along with the equally percussive piano parts, form the catchy melodies prevalent throughout the 12 tracks. Complex rhythms paired with acoustic guitars, dobros and banjos gives the album a pastoral feel. The background harmonies and African influenced beats call to mind Rhythm of the Saints/Graceland-era Paul Simon.

Lead singer Dave Davison’s vocals are in the same family as Peter Gabriel and Damon Albarn mimicking their nonchalant delivery and deeply personal tone. He stands out without being overbearing knowing when to provide emphasis and when to pull back as needed. He sings with the ease and natural inflection of Cat Stevens with a similar coolness.

Despite these apparent influences the work on Perch Patchwork is original and never feels cheep. Unlike say, Vampire Weekend’s debut album, here the West African-Paul Simon inspiration is evident without sounding ripped off or artificially duplicated.

Maps & Atlases possess an authentic and warm presence. Davison, along with bassist Shiraz Dada, drummer Chris Hainey and guitarist Erin Elders share an art school mentality but their music is anything but art rock.

In an era where the album is dying in favor of the $0.99 single it’s refreshing to come across a collection of songs that truly flow from one to the next with continuity. There are no long pauses between tracks, and some songs bleed over into the one that follows.  The band’s first full length LP presents itself as a fully developed work of art not just a mere compilation of wannabe hits.

While not a medley per se, nor a concept album, there is the sense that these songs were crafted to fit together. The opening deconstructed “Will” serves as a perfect preamble by effortlessly sliding into to the anti-love song “The Charm.”

What comes after is a heavily acoustic, deeply rhythmic set of pop friendly tunes. There’s no reason 90% of the tracks on Perch should not be pop radio hits – the good pop radio of course (if that still exists).

Songs like “Israeli Caves” and “Carrying the Wet Wood” have a structure that permeates the album. Built around rumbling but soft drums, vibrant harmonies and clear-cut guitar runs these tracks and others develop a quaint down-home atmosphere,

“Pigeon” has an island feel with vibraphones and a bounty of rhythm patterns. “Living Decorations” shares a similar mood as it slowly dissolves into only the melody instruments with a single djembe serving as the backbone.

The title track closes the album by easing up on the gas and letting the ride come to a gentle conclusion. The fluttery strings and charming melody paired with Davison’s pleading lyrics gives this waltz a classic quality drawing to close an impressive suite of compositions.

Maps & Atlases - “Solid Ground” (Acoustic Version)

BUZZsession: Solid Ground – Maps & Atlases from the WILD honey pie on Vimeo.