What makes Tree, Swallows, Houses by Maps & Atlases notable?

This album helped define the band's sound characterized by complex time signatures and layered instrumentation, earning them a dedicated following within the indie rock community. It received positive reviews from various music publications, which praised its unique blend of styles, contributing to the resurgence of math rock in the mid-2000s. Released in January 2007, Tree, Swallows, Houses is Maps & Atlases' debut album, marking their entry into the alternative rock scene. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity, having formed just a couple of years earlier in 2004 and gained attention through live performances and an EP.

How many songs are on Tree, Swallows, Houses?

Tree, Swallows, Houses has 7 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Tree, Swallows, Houses

Maps & Atlases · 2007

24 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock

Intricate, math-rock rhythms intertwine with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics to create a distinctive sonic landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Everyplace Is a House — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic shifts and engaging lyrical imagery, encapsulating the band's innovative approach.
→
The Most Trustworthy Tin Cans — The song showcases intricate guitar work and rhythmic complexity that highlight the band's signature style, making it a standout moment on the record.
→
Songs for Ghosts to Haunt To — This track blends haunting melodies with reflective lyrics that elevate the emotional depth of the album, contrasting its more upbeat counterparts.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases intricate compositions and layered sounds but lacks some cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar patterns layered with ambient synths, creating a textured soundscape.
The vocals often intertwine with the instrumentation rather than dominating it, emphasizing the collective sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Everyplace Is a House 3:58
2 The Most Trustworthy Tin Cans 3:57
3 The Ongoing Horrible 2:05
4 Big Bopper Anthems 4:42
5 Stories About Ourselves 3:45
6 The Sounds They Make 1:31
7 Songs for Ghosts to Haunt To 4:07

What to play next

Listen next

Perch Patchwork

2010

Go back to

The Antenora / Maps & Atlases

2005

Full Maps & Atlases discography Artists like Maps & Atlases

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata