Sister Stations

Album Review

On this record Minneapolis outfit Maps of Norway seem to settle into a rather straightforward dance-rock feel that makes the fun, angular "Traffic" extremely catchy with its hi hat touches. Fans of bands like Franz Ferdinand or Controller.Controller would enjoy this number as lead singer Rebecca Leigh does a great job delivering each lyric. Even this attempt pales to the highly addictive dance-rock emanating from "Cellophane" that is based around Matt Helgeson's basslines. Things get a bit too hyper, though, during the aerobic rock effort called "Glass" which seems to shatter the momentum momentarily. Just as fun and hook-riddled is "Manners," a number the band nails perfectly with its very tight rhythm section and a minimal amount of guitar riffs. They are even able to get the same effect in a shorter amount of time as the punk-leaning "Victory Lane" would suggest. Maps of Norway do not stray from their strengths, although "Matches" branches their sound out slightly and recalls a sullen Blondie. This song is probably the best of the lot as they build on a solid sound while still challenging themselves throughout the track before exploding during the homestretch. It would be a great live set closer. A close second would be "North South," which takes no prisoners, bringing to mind Yeah Yeah Yeahs before they fully flesh out the conclusion. Short, crisp, punchy and very catchy: this is what Sister Stations is all about. This in spite of the rather clunky closer, "Holland Tunnel," which never quite lives up to expectations.