Those rambunctious Chicago pop-math boys Maps and Atlases are making a stop here in Kalamazoo this Sunday night in support of their 2010 debut LP, “Perch Patchwork”.

While the EPs released over the course of the last several years since their 2004 inception carried heavy math-rock influences, there was always a strong indie-pop songwriting core to Maps and Atlases sound.  “Perch Patchwork” still has its share of flashy playing and odd rhythms, but by-and-large the band have fully-embraced their pop leanings.  They still have the basic rock line-up of guitar, bass, drums, but now include a wider scope of instruments (horns, strings, keys) and rhythms and grooves that could almost be described as (gulp!) World Music-influenced.

While the arrangements are busy, the instruments play into each other rather than stray off into technical ostentation.  Vocalist Dave Davidson’s voice rides mighty and strong, the kind of baritone that you would expect to find in a far more subdued, folk setting.   The first single, “Solid Ground,” is a great example of the evolved sound of the band.

Supporting Maps and Atlases at this ALL AGES Strutt event will be the garage-soul of Distractions, also in from Chicago, the post-hardcore Kalamazoo locals The Reptilian, and Grand Rapids math-rockers Charles The Osprey. The show will be $8 in advance, $10 at the door, so you still have one day to save a couple bucks!  Kicks off at 9 p.m. at The Strutt, 773 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday, January 16, 2011.