He's learned to do more with less, sticking to the album's central message admirably.
Vicissitude is on the whole a more measured listen, with a weary vagueness you can get lost in it, something you couldn’t with uptempo debut We Can Create.
Even Vicissitude's most expansive tracks aren't pushy, and in its own subtle way the album delivers on the promise and intentions of Turning the Mind.
To put not too fine a point on it, Vicissitude is bland.
Vicissitude is such a wispy, bloodless record that it’s hard to find anything to recommend about it.
Vicissitude is the very dictionary definition of mostly fat, and not enough lean meat that you can really sink your teeth into.
It’s not like it’s unlistenable by any means. Maps is certainly a talented musician, and at times can craft some beautifully melodic, sonically captivating moments. It’s just that it all feels a bit weak and dated.
#29 | / | Rough Trade |