Mapmaker

Today's Music For a Friday Afternoon is Mapmaker, by Parts & Labor. This album came to me, somehow, as I found the first track ("Fractured Skies") and decided it was worth investigating further.

And, I'm glad I did. This is very much a modern rock album, not the kind of rock you would hear on the radio, but the kind that isn't afraid to let its instruments - even the drums - carry the show. Some vocals, sure, but not the sort of strained rasp that would give the illusion of rage or darkness to the uninformed. Really, this entire album made its way into my workout playlist less than a week after my first full listen. It's glorious hard rock, music that isn't afraid of horns. The whole album is pretty good - the opening and closing tracks ("Fractured Skies", again, and "Knives and Pencils", respectively) are the standouts. However, there really isn't a weak link.

In short, this music might not be for you, but give it a shot. This is what indie rock should be, not Conor Oberst whining about how nobody loves him for two hours. Sorry, Conor.

In Other News:
Sorry for the short blog post but it's Friday and I have to move. Wish me luck. Parts & Labor deserves a better blog post but that may have to wait.

I voted. Maybe it's for your candidate and maybe it isn't.