“It was great to be able to step outside of our live setting and imagine the songs in a different way,” said guitarist Erin Elders about the recording process for Perch Patchwork. “Jason Cupp brought another dimension to the songs that was really exciting to hear. We were able to deconstruct them part by part and then rebuild each verse or chorus with a different sonic idea.”
Continues singer/guitarist David Davison, “We went into the record with the understanding that the creation of the album would be separate from its existence as a live piece of music, which was really liberating.”
The members of Maps & Atlases met in Chicago while attending art school, formed the band in 2004 and have released two EPs through indie label Sargent House. While Tree, Swallows, Houses showcased the band’s more technical side, the subsequent You And Me And The Mountain presented more earthly and digestible songs that earned comparisons to TV On The Radio, Deerhoof, CAN, and even Prince.
Maps & Atlases recently signed to Barsuk Records in the US, who handle the North American release of Perch Patchwork, and to FatCat for the UK and Europe.
Vampires
Maps & Atlases Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're here and they wouldn't even think to look
You are all dried wood
You are all dried wood, she said
And I don't know what the context is
For what you're trying to say
And I don't know if the vampires in this town
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
And all the clouds that looked like cars now just look like clouds
And they're building circle camps near your cities and small towns
You are all dried wood
You are all dried wood
You are all dried wood
You are all dried wood
The sounds you have put your faith in will only let you down
The sounds you have put your faith in will only let you down
The sounds you have put your faith in will only let you down
The sounds you have put your faith in will only let you down
Let you down
They'll let you down
They'll let you down
They'll let you down
And I don't know what the context is
For what you're trying to say
And I don't know if the vampires in this town
Just expect us to lay down and roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
No, we won't roll over
In Maps & Atlases's song Vampires, there seems to be an underlying theme of dystopia and resisting oppression. The first stanza suggests that the singer and their companions have been unsuccessful in their attempts to fight against the oppressive forces, represented by the "glossy arrow bows" that they have been rubbing. However, the presence of the person they are addressing gives them a glimmer of hope – they are hidden and unnoticed in the face of danger. The metaphor of "all dried wood" could suggest that the singer and their companions are vulnerable and easily burned, yet resilient against the odds.
The second stanza continues to build upon the idea of oppression, as the clouds that once appeared like cars now appear as symbols of danger and the "circle camps" bring to mind images of concentration camps or other types of confinement. The repetition of "you are all dried wood" suggests that the singer is both acknowledging the vulnerability of their group while also affirming their resilience in the face of danger. This is further emphasized by the repetition of the line "No, we won't roll over" towards the end of the song, which portrays a sense of defiance against the oppression that seeks to destroy them.
The lyrics "And I don't know if the vampires in this town just expect us to lay down and roll over" suggest that there is an antagonistic force seeking to dominate and control the powerless. The use of the vampire metaphor is particularly interesting, as it is often used to represent bloodsucking parasites who prey upon their victims while they sleep. By comparing their oppressors to vampires who are expecting them to "lay down and roll over," the singer asserts their unwillingness to be submissive to their oppressors.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been rubbing glossy arrow bows with no luck
Despite our efforts, we have not been achieving anything significant
You're here and they wouldn't even think to look
You are here, and others are not paying attention to you or your importance
You are all dried wood
You are brittle and weak, lacking vitality and strength
And I don't know what the context is For what you're trying to say
I am confused about the meaning behind your words and actions
And I don't know if the vampires in this town Just expect us to lay down and roll over
I am unsure if the oppressive powers in this environment are demanding we submit to their will
No, we won't roll over
We will not surrender or comply
And all the clouds that looked like cars now just look like clouds
Previously recognizable things that were important to us are now meaningless and unimportant
And they're building circle camps near your cities and small towns
Those in power are establishing control and domination over even the smallest areas of our lives
The sounds you have put your faith in will only let you down
The things you have relied on and trusted in will ultimately disappoint and fail you
They'll let you down
Those things will inevitably disappoint and fail you
No, we won't roll over
We will not surrender or comply
Contributed by Liliana L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Steven James
Such a great album. Glad to see they're still rocking. Hopefully they decide to release another indie gem soon. There aren't enough unique artists in the world today to just let the talent of these guys fizzle out, dammit!
nonta join
Yeeeeaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!M&A!!!im surprised that they had not played at AudioTree before.thank you Audio Tree again<3
Richard Van Vliet
Finally, Maps and Atlases!!!
Soft Stone
I want the drummer's sweatshirt.
Connor Bonstein
Pretty sure those are the drummer from Scale The Summit's signature stick. Noice.
Glenn Yeahh
wish they woulda played their old mathstuff :/ still sweet tho
TheWulfe17
Damn what kind of guitar is that?
TheWulfe17
Thats awesome man, thanks so much.
Cody121404
+TheWulfe17 No problem! I was curious myself.