Search - Maps of Norway :: Die Off Songbird

Second albums are traditionally the point where bands decide if they are going to add a rapper or if they are going to get down to business. They ve got one record and a zillion shows under their belts, maybe they ve been knocked around a bit and hopefully everyone knows everyone else a little better. So its time to live up to that early promise, to channel all of that stuff into an album that s tougher, louder, an album with some swagger...or, you know, get a white dude with dreads to hype the crowd. Fortunately Maps Of Norway choose the former rather than the latter. And they called it Die Off Songbird . With Minneapolis producer Mike Wisti Maps of Norway produce their sophomore album. This time work was done quick, a few sessions in January laying everything to tape. Not going to over-think things, just get it to sound good and go. The band let s the grooves run a little longer and the tunes have become a bit blurrier. Vocals and guitar lines swirl in and out of a gray montage of bass and drums. The rhythm section is still the fulcrum and guitar and vocals are still the lever. There are some atmospheric touches: some acoustic guitars, some bells, and load of buzzing, wet synth blobs that gurgle all over the place.