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Sister Stations by Maps of Norway
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fave it Modern Rock | Punk
10 tracks | 38 minutes
Released Aug 2006
on Guilt Ridden Pop
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- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:25 Traffic lyrics BUY MP3 05:25 Traffic lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:25 Traffic
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 03:11 Manners lyrics BUY MP3 03:11 Manners lyrics "GIFT MP3" 03:11 Manners
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 02:11 Victory Lane lyrics BUY MP3 02:11 Victory Lane lyrics "GIFT MP3" 02:11 Victory Lane
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 03:22 Digit Six lyrics BUY MP3 03:22 Digit Six lyrics "GIFT MP3" 03:22 Digit Six
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:13 Matches lyrics BUY MP3 05:13 Matches lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:13 Matches
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 02:45 Cellophane lyrics BUY MP3 02:45 Cellophane lyrics "GIFT MP3" 02:45 Cellophane
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 02:45 Glass lyrics BUY MP3 02:45 Glass lyrics "GIFT MP3" 02:45 Glass
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 04:25 North South lyrics BUY MP3 04:25 North South lyrics "GIFT MP3" 04:25 North South
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 03:54 The Response lyrics BUY MP3 03:54 The Response lyrics "GIFT MP3" 03:54 The Response
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:17 Holland Tunnel lyrics BUY MP3 05:17 Holland Tunnel lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:17 Holland Tunnel
Music that cuts across mere genre lines and restrictive pigeon-holing
Editorial review
On this record Minneapolis outfit Maps of Norway seem to settle into a rather straightforward dance-rock feel that makes the fun, angular "Traffic" extremely catchy with its hi hat touches. Fans of bands like Franz Ferdinand or Controller.Controller would enjoy this number as lead singer Rebecca Leigh does a great job delivering each lyric. Even this attempt pales to the highly addictive dance-rock emanating from "Cellophane" that is based around Matt Helgeson's basslines. Things get a bit too hyper, though, during the aerobic rock effort called "Glass" which seems to shatter the momentum momentarily. Just as fun and hook-riddled is "Manners," a number the band nails perfectly with its very tight rhythm section and a minimal amount of guitar riffs. They are even able to get the same effect in a shorter amount of time as the punk-leaning "Victory Lane" would suggest. Maps of Norway do not stray from their strengths, although "Matches" branches their sound out slightly and recalls a sullen Blondie. This song is probably the best of the lot as they build on a solid sound while still challenging themselves throughout the track before exploding during the homestretch. It would be a great live set closer. A close second would be "North South," which takes no prisoners, bringing to mind Yeah Yeah Yeahs before they fully flesh out the conclusion. Short, crisp, punchy and very catchy: this is what Sister Stations is all about. This in spite of the rather clunky closer, "Holland Tunnel," which never quite lives up to expectations. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
Bio / Background
Maps of Norway is not merely a simple retread of styles from early 80s UK. Sister Stations is not just a recording you can slip easily in your collection to be enjoyed leisurely. You will need to come to this recording on its own terms. The rhythm section uses Matt Helgeson’s rubbery bass and Jeff Ball’s whip-snap drums to carve out a large space of sound for Eric Hanson’s atmospheric guitar lines, which sketch out melodies, and other coded bits of information. Rebecca Morcial brings actual singing (maybe even crooning) and a distinctive stage presence to the band. Maps of Norway has a familiar feel, but they remain unique, putting their own stamp on what in lesser hands could be a too well-worn sound.