Midwestern indie outfit
Maps & Atlases
returned after a six-year hiatus with their surprisingly pop-leaning third full-length,
Lightlessness Is Nothing New
. Following the departure of founding guitarist
Erin Elders
, the remaining trio of
Shiraz Dada
,
David Davison
, and
Christopher Hainey
forged ahead with the spirit of a new band, taking big steps beyond the persistent math rock designation into fresh territory that incorporated more rhythm and upbeat spirit. Produced by
Scott Solter
(
Mike Patton
Okkervil River
),
Lightlessness
can be split into two sonic halves. The first part is light and enjoyable, a natural progression of
Beware and Be Grateful
's danceable "Fever." "Fall Apart" and "Ringing Bell" are catchy enough to resemble pop duo
Miike Snow
, while the jangly "Fog and the Fall" features an angular Afro-beat energy similar to
Vampire Weekend
. The second half of
veers closer to the band's earlier sound, patiently building and meandering on explorations like "Learn How to Swim" and "Wrong Kind of Magic." "War Dreams" is a highlight that synthesizes the spirits of both halves, allowing
the space to get weird without sacrificing their newfound hook-friendly approach. Refreshed and reinvigorated,
take risks that result in a major payoff on
, remaining faithful to their past while eyeing their future. ~ Neil Z. Yeung