Maps & Atlases

 Midwestern indie outfit Maps & Atlases perform rock blended with pastoral folk, pop, and experimental influences similar to Fleet Foxes, Alt-J, and Minus the Bear. From their early math rock roots to their sprawling 2010 debut Perch Patchwork, they eventually evolved to incorporate pop elements on fourth album Lightlessness Is Nothing New, which arrived in 2018 following an extended hiatus during which time the members pursued personal artistic endeavors and new musical outlets. 

Formed in 2004 while founding members Erin Elders (guitar), Shiraz Dada (bass), Chris Hainey (drums), and Dave Davison (guitar/vocals) were attending Columbia College in Chicago, the band combined their individual interests in art, literature, film, and music to create a quirky, technically inspired, math rock sound. After recording an unreleased set titled Bird Barnyard, Maps & Atlases released their official debut EP, Tree, Swallows, Houses, in late 2007 on Sargent House. A second EP, You and Me and the Mountain, arrived in 2008.