Speechless by MAP

posted in: April 2010, Music Review | 0

Josh Dooley and company return with a mostly instrumental album. A few songs contain some vocals, but this album is mostly focused on Josh’s guitar playing and song writing. And what a beautiful record that makes. The opening song “Avalon” is worth the price for the album alone. But MAP keeps the quality up for all 10 songs. This is one of those albums that I really hope gets a vinyl release.

Stylistically, MAP falls somewhere in the same region as Starflyer 59. All of the songs contain subtle nods of many different styles, so pinning down any one is difficult. One thing is for sure – there are hooks every where you listen on this album. Dooley’s sheer ability to write catchy hooks alone drives this album by before you even know it. Where as many instrumental albums get to the point of boredom with most songs all sounding the same, MAP keeps your interest going through every song at the same time they are creating a cohesive sound.

The song titles almost make you wish there were some lyrics, though. With titles like “Her Mom Wore St. John (All the Prozac in the World Couldn’t…)” or “Souvenirs From A Dead Empire” or even “Killing People On The Television” (one of my favorite riffs on the album) – you can’t help but wonder what was going through Dooley’s head when writing these songs. Other than a few hints in some interviews here and there, I don’t think we will ever know. But with songs this fun to listen to, you really don’t care.

[2009 Velvet Blue Music | Purchase: VelvetBlueMusic.com]

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