Album Reviews: Life Size Maps – Weird Luck
Life Size Maps are a trio of Brooklynites who have the distinction of utilizing a cellist in place of the typical bass guitar, and a wide variety of percussion instruments that add just the right amount of clank to the mix. At heart, they are truly a young, awesome bunch of noise rockers. Last year, I reviewed their debut EP Magnifier. If you have not checked it out yet, do so and get your hands on it. The five songs were epic, fast, and displayed a promising outlook for the group. Quite recently, they have released a new three-song EP for free entitled Weird Luck.
Listen to ”Weird Luck”
The Pros:
The most pleasing thing to say about this EP is that they have stayed true to their sound, and Weird Luck is essentially three more great songs from this band. That is a huge compliment, considering how perfect their previous effort is. There is a fairly substantial change in LSM’s approach this time around involving tempo and new, additional sounds. This batch of tunes keeps to a consistent rushing pace, landing them somewhere closer to Dinosaur Jr. and less like Unwound in this particular instance, compared to Magnifier. After the beautiful beginning squeal of Mike McKeever’s guitar that kicks off the titular opener, it is made apparent that the gang’s supply of fun noisemakers has grown over time, with a synth line taking over as the central hook.
McKeever’s tonality underwent a slight facelift that seems permanent throughout the record. Now, he dons a flavor akin to Bob Mould’s trademark Hüsker Dü distortion mixed with a sheet of Reynolds Wrap encasing the fretboard. Drummer Jordyn Blakely and cellist Rob Karpay hold up way more than their ends of the deal, indicated in Rob’s unique instrument allowing him to go beyond the ordinary bassist’s limitations and Jordyn’s characteristically quiet-then-clattered playing style, (“Wind In The Furnace”).
The Cons:
Weird Luck is no companion piece to Magnifier; it is a separate embodiment of Life Size Maps’ quickly blossoming musical ventures. The only qualm one would have with this after hearing their debut would deal with the slimming down of song structure array. Given that there are three songs to work with on this EP, it would have been nice to see them differ more intensely. “The Sleepy Northeast,” easily the best track on Magnifier, is a pulse-pounding slow burner with the power to move mountains. It would have been wonderful to hear another masterpiece such as that, but you aren’t necessarily left with any complaints.
The Verdict:
While their debut was a sizable gift under the tree, Weird Luck is similar to a stocking stuffer. Three more suavely executed noise rockers for your listening pleasure, and they are for free. What else could you ask for? Well, if Life Size Maps ever get around to knocking out a full length album that matches the talent and consistency from their current catalogue, it may be something of landmark potential. For now, here are a few scraps that leave you wanting so much more.
