New music from Map of the Woulds

Coming out of Seattle, Map of the Woulds is a self-described genre-less “rock” band. The trio features Woody Frank on guitar, Andrew Woods on bass and Adrian Woods on drums, with all three contributing vocals to create a sound that’s equally fluid and inventive. While their music flows between styles, their songwriting balances sharp ideas with an ever-present sense of groove, tying their output together with their own distinct musical thread.

The three members aren’t newcomers to the Seattle scene; having played around town in various guises for years, they linked up in 2019 to form Map of the Woulds, aiming to embrace the freedom of the trio format while pursuing a sharper focus on songwriting. The reduced lineup offered the flexibility to pivot from delicate moments to bold, energising rock and they quickly found themselves making an impact in the city’s musical landscape.

First unveiling their shared sonic vision in 2022 with the debut single “Plague,” their sophomore outing “Buddy” followed before their eponymous debut EP arrived later that year. Returning last year with new material and a live EP, Map of the Woulds has won over fans and tastemakers along the way.

Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new single titled “The Old Songs,” a song which sees them take a slightly dark, wholly cynical and decidedly absurdist look at the experience of being a creative person in the modern world. On the surface, it’s a critique of humanity’s contradictions and shortcomings, delivered with sardonic humour and a keen eye for the surreal, but beneath that, it’s a meditation on determination, poking fun at both our failures and our stubborn ability to carry on despite them, or perhaps because of them.

Served up in a bright pop-focused indie rock setting, the track is brought in by the sound of a rumbling explosion in the distance before expressive vocal leads, lightly gritty guitar tones and shuffling drums form an upbeat sound. Flowing with tongue-in-cheek lyricism carried via catchy melodic hooks propelled by grooving rhythm, with “The Old Songs,” Map of the Woulds delivers a charming jam that’s both musically enjoyable and thematically engaging.

Cut with breezy lead guitar licks, slick instrumental runs and smooth rhythm switch up, it’s a superb outing that channels their thoughtful songwriting in to a stellar musical experience. Once again offering something thoroughly original, Map of the Woulds continue to shine on their fiercely unique musical adventure and we can’t wait to see what this delightfully off-kilter music project has in store next.

Listen to The Old Songs below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---