Rule 32: Enjoy the little things in life.

Went to a Maps & Atlases show last night at Blackbird Cafe in downtown Valparaiso. Apparently it was a surprise show. I had found out about it only the day prior. Still, there were about thirty-forty people, pretty good turnout for short notice and a coffeehouse. I have to say, I really really enjoyed myself. The band was great, atmosphere was fun and receptive, and with good friends around, it was one of best nights I’ve had recently.

I had listened to Maps & Atlases a bit before, not enough to recognize song names, but enough to appreciate and enjoy their sound.  They’re kind of like Vampire Weekend meets Kings of Leon with a touch of the Decemberists thrown in. Now that that’s sufficiently vague, just let it be known Maps & Atlases have a fun-to-listen-to sound that’s very melodic and percussive. Very fine indie rock.

I arrived at Blackbird Cafe (formerly Anneliesje’s) shortly before 7, when the show was supposed to start. I must have been mistaken, 7 was when they started setting up, didn’t actually start playing until about 8:20. No big deal, really though. Gave me time to hang out and catch up with some friends. M&A played for almost and hour an a half, and then we spent a half hour after that hanging out until management kicked us out. A fun night.

I love coffeehouses, I really do. Which makes it amusing that I don’t actually drink coffee. But I love the atmosphere. There’s just something about the relaxed, laid back atmospheres of coffeehouses that I love. Also, coffeehouses generally have open stages and other live music, which I love. There’s really nothing like a good live show to get the blood flowing. It’s just two of those things that go together well; coffeehouses and indie music, peanut butter and jelly, dog hair and my car. Just not gonna find one without the other.

The band was there promoting their new album, Perch Patchwork, which I purchased as my entry fee to the show. Now, if you work for a radio station and heard the album weeks ago, no big deal, but I had yet to hear their new album and was thusly pretty excited. Listened to it on the ride back and was not disappointed. A very good album. A little short, clocking in at just under forty minutes, but it’s quality stuff. A recommended pick up.

As much as I loved the album, they were even better live. They had an intensity that was just a blast to watch and listen to. Really good stuff. You could tell the band was enjoying themselves. They had a lot of good riffs that just came off really well, and the percussion was great. Just a really good show. Do plan on seeing them again.

All in all, just a fun night. Great times, great friends, and a great band. What more could one ask for from a Friday night?

PS: Thanks to Katie for the pictures. Her phototaking skills are much better than what I could muster up.