The first thing to note about We Can Create is the fuzzed-out space-wall of sound, complete with delicious electronic sound bite offerings (perhaps in the vein of Boards of Canada or M83). The second is the pace of the journey; rolling along, steady as she goes but never forced beyond comfortable. The third main dimension to note about this album is the multi-layered breathy vocals that idly drift over every track, but also boast pop sensibility up the wazoo (see track #2 ‘You Don’t Know Her Name’). Following on from these points, it is no surprise to find out that The Maps is a pommy bloke named James Chapman whose bedroom recording antics were so good that he was picked up by Moby’s label, and a few top-notch Icelandic sound producers who happen to have worked for Bjork and Sigur Ros. If none of these qualities pique your interest then you’re probably on the wrong train, but then again, it would be foolish not to at least give We Can Create a red hot go.
Daniel Aron