The Chicago quartet Maps & Atlases serves up loose, bluesy pop tunes set against technically stringent arrangements. Their melodies are a bit off-kilter, sometimes stringing repetitive vocals lines together, sometimes splashing with unexpected drum beats. Dave Davisons voice is crowing and languid think Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio and both he and Erin Elders are widely considered to be guitar virtuosos. Both keep their complex rhythms by finger tapping their frets as their dueling parts wind around each other. The band is touring in support of their first full-length, Perch Patchwork, to be released next month by Barsuk. Theyre the opening act on this tour, but from what I hear theyve been stealing the show from the headliner night after night. With Frightened Rabbit. ERIN K. THOMPSON
Sun., May 16, 8 p.m., 2010
