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Various Artists (Shmat Sampler): A Map of the Woods
[TMF]

After reviewing Carte Blanches Summers End EP a few weeks ago, it was interesting to hear A Map of the Woods which is a recently released compilation from their label Shmat Records.  Most of these bands are from the San Gabriel valley in California, and they seem to share a lot in common musically.  The release starts off strong with a gentle little acoustic song called Lyrebird by Awestruck Dumbfounded.  This track is probably my favorite on the sampler, because the Carte Blanche songs picked here, though good, arent my favorite selections off the Summers End E.P.  To use a bad saddle-creek analogy that you might find on the new Indie Rock SAT II subtest:

Azure Ray : Carte Blanche :: Rilo Kiley : Awestruck Dumbfounded

All these bands are so similar you could probably replace my :s and ::s with equal signs and still describe things pretty well.  But Carte Blanche has a bit more of a somber mood, while Awestruck Dumbfounded has an ounce more perk on Lyrebird.  The second Awestruck Dumbfounded song here is a bit unexpected though.  Run of the Mill Boy can only be considered perky in a Devo sort of way.  Its a simple little song with some good electric guitar, but the song is certainly overshadowed by its campy lyrics and synthesized beat.  Its still a fun song just different.

But dont worry.  If you like Lyrebird better like I do, youll be happy to find that the band Light Sleeper can pull off a good sequel with Fruitstripe Girl.  Their Pop Song is also a bit of a charmer with its drolly-delivered chorus: Everything I know about love, I learned from a pop song.

Hrududu Factory and The Awkward Age really offer up more of the same quality material, and if theres one thing these Shmat bands know, its how to let a good vocal carry a soft song into dreamland.  These tracks are heartfelt, gentle songs about relationships and solemn reflections, featuring male and female vocals and some subtle yet atmospheric music.  Id probably see any of these bands live if given the chance, and Id suggest that anyone who likes acoustic pop songs such as these should keep an eye out for whats going on in the Shmat Records camp.

This album can be purchased at Shmat Records Official Website

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