Mapletons – Origami Army : Album Reviews

Well, this is awkward. A mere week after receiving a copy of Mapleton’s EP, Origami Army, a friend of mine informs me that Mapleton’s have in fact, broken up and gone their separate ways. So here is a review of a band that doesn’t exist anymore. It’s a pity really, because at just over twenty minutes long, Origami Army is a delight from start to finish.

Opening track Today We Play is a true gem. Vocalist Anita Goldsworthy has a sombre voice, bubbly and quaint as she bounces through the song with infectious enthusiasm. Key song Seaside is a wonderful, and well structured song full of strong harmonies and great instrumental’s that all culminate together in a wonderful chorus, shimmering like the sun reflecting off of the ocean.

Mapletons

Mondays & New Snow display moments of greatness for a band who have just begun, the opening of New Snow is somewhat… haunting? Maybe not the right word to use, but I definitely felt drawn in when listening to it for the first time. The guitar backing compliments Goldsworthy’s vocals exceptionally.

The Place Where No One Knows is a fine song on the EP, but feels a little bit forced for an EP that seems to flow from song to song. Maybe it’s added to make the EP longer than 15 minutes, but it despite being a great song, it feels out of place.

Gunpowder is such a fantastic top tapping musical experience. Richard Kingsmill from Triple j said that “brought me to a standstill. Beautiful stuff.” It’s intricate, but simple, something that is rare today in music.

For a band that only formed in August 2009, and subsequently broke up in April 2010, Mapleton’s career has been short and sweet, but if Origami Army is anything to go by, their future could have been so bright…