One sure sign that the CD era is waning: the resurgence of 40-minute, nine-song indie LPs, a throwback to vinyl-era album sequencing. One sure sign that celebrating may be premature: the fact that even albums as lean as Unmapstill contain filler, which feels that much more egregious under the circumstances. Because the band features Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Unmapbears the slightness of a side project, unfairly or not. The opening triptych of “Husks and Shells,” “Sleepymouth” and “Island, Is” is sprightly and likable, but the album is front-loaded; starting with the pretty but directionless “Dote,” Unmapflounders, first through non-entities like “Mbira in the Morass” and “Cool Knowledge,” on through the tuneless, formless closing pair of “Still” (featuring some hilariously incongruous Auto-Tune) and “Youology.” Ultimately, Unmap’s conciseness is refreshing, but not always for the right reasons.
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
Signup
By clicking “subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
Subscribe to LEO Weekly Newsletters
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
To sign up now, enter your email address in the field below and click the Subscribe button.
By clicking “Subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
