Vicissitude

While Turning the Mind swung like a hedonistic after-party held after Maps' debut We Can Create's Mercury Prize nomination, Vicissitude has the distinct feeling of digging deep and confronting reality head on. And in each of those cases, with Chapman the sole creative force behind the music, any Maps album is defined entirely by where his head was at during the recording process. "The whole album is about change;" says Chapman. "It's about dealing with a struggle - whatever that may be - and ultimately coming through it." As with previous releases, the new album was primarily recorded at Maps' home, and was mixed by Ken Thomas (Sugarcubes, M83, Sigur Ros) and Jolyon Thomas. Vicissitude focuses, tightens and sharpens Maps' expansive sound. The album might have been born from a long period of self-contemplation, but maybe you do need a while to get simple answers to the difficult questions. Time to face the light!