You and Me and the Mountain

VINYL FORMAT. Black etched vinyl! "From their first work, we knew Maps and Atlases were weird and quirky and You and Me and the Mountain highlights that style with its sporadic tendencies. Vocally, the same odd vocals gloss over the album. While you can tell that Dave Davidson's voice has progressed, the change is very subtle. But perhaps the biggest change is in the percussion work. Tambourines, vibraphones, snare clicks, and tempo blocks among other instruments add an unusual, yet refreshing sound. It is the kind of feeling that makes "Daily News" and "Ted Zancha" so brilliant. "Ted Zancha" is a defining closing song. Between the impeccable bass riffs, beautiful tapping guitar riffs, and gorgeous vocal work, it's hard not to be impressed by the short-lived album's closer. "Ted Zancha" is a highlight reel from Maps and Atlases complete collection and specifically You and Me and the Mountain. The closing minute of "Ted Zancha" is filled with vocal harmonies to make you blush and a bridge to make you wet your britches. Superfluous drumming leads the scale-oriented bridge into a peaceful, serene silence.

Was Maps and Atlases change of style a change for the better? Well it is awfully hard to say no. You and Me and the Mountain glows with maturity and growth in addition to consistent musicianship. Their deletion of constant meticulous riffs paid off for the better. Instead of a rather overwhelming feel, You and Me and the Mountain is a steadily paced gem. The only real issues from my point of view are the uninspired lyrics and occasional moments that the songs sound similar to one another. Even so, I can't stop listening to this jovial album. For now, Maps and Atlases have pushed their boundaries once again and expanded deeper into an unexplored style. Until their next album, I would say You and Me and the Mountain will certainly be played on a weekly basis. It's that addicting." - Ryan Flatley (Sputnik Music)