Can You Create…?

Ah, the feeling you have when you listen to a good debut album. That "oh-my-God-this-one-sounds-great-I-should-definitely-keep-my-eyes-on-this-artist" feeling. However, there is also a disadvantage for the artist who manages to awake such feelings. The expectations for the second album will be huge. That was also the case with Maps. I think you all remember We Can Create – songs like You Don't Know Her Name or Lost My Soul are not something you can forget easily. And of course, the great expectation syndrome hits you instantly.

First thing you get to observe when you start to listen to Turning the Mind, Maps' second release, is that the sound has changed somehow – and after a few seconds, you realise it. It has become more electronic. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, you say to yourself. It had electronic touches before too. You continue to listen, waiting for the revelation to come. And before you realise it, you're at the ninth song. Huh? "But I didn't get anything… wait!" So you listen to it again, searching for that well-known feeling the first album had given you. The problem is that there is nothing to find. Yes. The great expectation syndrome didn't actually find a cure.

It's not disturbingly bad. I actually might say it's an enjoyable background – and that's mostly because Chapman's voice remained the same, thank God for that! Unfortunately, it serves only as a background. There isn't actually a song which will make you feel the need to put it on repeat.

And there you are, ending the musical journey with the same "Huh?" in your mind. Save your regrets and go back to We Can Create if you really want to listen some good Maps songs. You can use this album as a lullaby in the evening.

*photo courtesy of Maps MySpace.