Black Map came to be in a moment of synchronicity. Somehow at the exact time period, dredg, Far and The Trophy Fire were all put on hiatus. As a result, Mark Engles, Chris Robyn, and Ben Flanagan started to collaborate on their new project. And so Black Map’s debut record, …And We Explode arrived in 2014, with the band coalescing many of their influences into a singular entity. Alternative rock methodologies and the post-hardcore spirit drove this endeavor. And soon enough, Black Map were building their discography with two EPs, and their sophomore full-length, In Droves. Now, they are completing the trifecta with Melodoria, their most complete work to date.
The sound Black Map has not really changed. Instead, the trio has improved on what they are already great at. The basis still lies in the alternative rock mold. The kickoff of “Super Deluxe” screams with this ‘90s infused quality, allowing the melodic inclinations to come forth in a furious manner. And yet, at the same time Black Map do not leave behind the elusive and otherworldly essence of the scene. “Madness” sees this form come to life, the subtler interludes creating the necessary ebbs and flows for the progression. Similarly, “Nothing Over Me'' and “In The Wire” are able to use this quality, building an ethereal domain. Something that is perfected through the weaving melodies of the title track. And reaching the very core of this ballad-like methodology is of course “Burnout (Do You Mind)” with the acoustic guitar coming in to offer a change of pace before the heavy guitars take over.
Still, on the other hand, Black Map do not rely solely on immediacy and hooks. There is a distinct precision and punctuation to this work. The drums in “Chasms” reveal this mentality, hidden beneath the directness of the song. Poignant and powerful they merge with the heavy guitars to awaken this prog twist. It is the call to adventure for Black Map, and it is not only found in their technical aptitude. Sure, the off-beat strums, off-kilter rhythms of “Capture The Flag” are impressive. But, it is the experimentation that takes things further. The guitar of Engles is pivotal in that sense. Taking on elements of dredg, and also calling upon the spirit of Helmet, the record is filled with little tricks and nuggets. The creativity in “Left For Dead” is a stunning example of this mode, finely balancing between harmony and discordance.
It is this dichotomy between the two brains that has always defined Black Map. On one hand, the immediacy is so important. The trio wants to write songs that are bangers, and they succeed. “Chasms” is powerful and energetic. The rocky tones of “Witching Hour” are infectious. But beneath the surface, there is so much more going on. And Black Map do it in a subtle way, as to not divert the attention from their songwriting. And so, even though Melodoria does not offer much in the way of novelty to this sound, it still makes for a great addition to Black Map’s journey so far.
